Patients with kidney problems are seeing a real change in how they receive their care, with services becoming more patient-centred and responsive, according to a report published recently by the Department of Health. It also praises the momentum that has built up in the renal community since the publication of Part One of the Renal National Service Framework (NSF). This progress has been reinforced by the publication of Part Two in February this year, which has been warmly endorsed by primary care and other bodies.
Renal community praised
The report notes the progress made by the renal community, including patients and carers, in putting into place programmes that will underpin delivery. The Renal Advisory Group (RAG), found the reaction of the professional and patient groups to Part One of the NSF was consistently positive, citing the clear vision for the development of an effective, efficient and patient-centred service that it provided.
Launching the report, Health Minister Rosie Winterton said: “I welcome the report’s view that the excellent work by the renal community has meant we are already seeing a sea-change in recognising the importance of a patient-centred renal service. The Renal NSF set out a vision for change and improvement to be met over the next decade, and we all – Government, the NHS and patients – will need to play our part in making it a reality.”
