Portiuncula University Hospital to mark World Kidney Day

World Kidney Day, which takes place on 12 March, marks a worldwide initiative aimed at raising awareness of kidney disease and the importance of prevention and early detection. This year’s theme, “Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet,” highlights the connection between environmental sustainability (air pollution, heat stress) and kidney disease, promoting eco-friendly, equitable, and accessible kidney care.

Professor Paul O’Hara, Consultant General Physician and Nephrologist at Portiuncula University Hospital, said the theme serves as an important reminder that protecting kidney health goes hand in hand with protecting our environment.

“Raising awareness about kidney disease is vital. Early diagnosis, preventative measures and equitable access to care can significantly improve outcomes for patients. Detecting kidney disease early not only preserves kidney function but also reduces the need for resource-intensive treatments and improves long-term outcomes. Environmental changes are now adding to this burden. Climate-related risks, air pollution, heat stress, dehydration, and extreme weather events, compound the risks of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and accelerate its progression.

“Education is a key part of managing any chronic illness and kidney disease is no different. The risk factors associated with CKD include diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, long-term use of over-the-counter medications, heart disease and a family history of kidney disease. If you are over 50 or fall into a higher-risk category, it is important to speak with your GP and get screened for CKD. Early detection can significantly slow progression and improve long-term outcomes,” added Professor O’Hara.

To mark World Kidney Day, the hospital’s kidney clinic will host an information awareness stand in the main foyer of the hospital on Thursday, 12 March from 9am to 12 noon. Clinical staff will be available to answer questions and raise awareness of high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes, the leading causes of kidney disease in Ireland.

The kidney clinic, under the leadership of Professor O’Hara, continues to deliver expert, patient-centred care to individuals across East Galway and Roscommon. The service provides specialist assessment and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, accepting referrals from both hospital teams and GPs to ensure patients have timely access to expert treatment and support.

In a continued commitment to enhancing patient care, the service has expanded to include a number of additional specialist clinics. These include a newly established Clinical Nurse Specialist-led kidney clinic and an Advanced Nurse Practitioner-led Rapid Review Clinic, both designed to improve access and streamline care for patients requiring urgent assessment.

A dedicated Consultant-Led Clinic has also been developed to support patients preparing for dialysis. In addition, a Conservative Care Clinic provides comprehensive, supportive management for patients who are not suitable for, or who choose not to pursue, dialysis. Patients requiring haemodialysis, as well as those undergoing kidney transplantation, receive their care at Merlin Park University Hospital, ensuring access to specialised renal services within the region.

Between 2024 and 2025, the clinic recorded a 26% increase in new referrals and reviewed almost 850 patients. During the same period, there was a 38% rise in patients with kidney disease receiving infusion-based therapies, reflecting growing demand and expanded treatment capacity.

The kidney day ward relocated to the new 50-bed ward block in February 2025, creating additional capacity in a modern clinical environment and significantly enhancing the standard of care provided to patients.

Since the move, the ward has provided care to more than 500 patients, reflecting its significant impact in meeting growing demand for kidney services. Attendances increased by 42%, with more than 1500 patient interactions recorded, demonstrating the vital role the service now plays within the wider healthcare system. 

The kidney day ward offers medical and nursing assessments, investigations and patient education on an ambulatory and outpatient basis. It also offers a dedicated ambulatory care pathway from the Emergency Department, enabling rapid assessment and treatment for patients with kidney-related conditions who do not require hospital admission.

Portiuncula University Hospital remains committed to continually enhancing patient care, investing in modern facilities and multidisciplinary expertise to ensure patients across East Galway and Roscommon receive timely, high-quality and compassionate care close to home.