Priorities

• To establish a statewide system of data collection to measure current dialysis activity and capacity.
• To advise NSW Ministry of Health on strategies to better manage dialysis capacity across NSW, from avoiding risks to adequate provision of dialysis services.
• To assist in delaying onset of end-stage renal failure in at-risk groups.
• To support mechanisms to provide palliative care for patients with chronic renal disease through Renal Supportive Care Program.
• To establish strategies to address workforce needs.

Achievements

• Introduction of the Renal Supportive Care Program.
• Development of a prevention strategy and proposed action plan for reducing progression to end-stage renal failure.
• Input to statewide planning, leading to improved access to dialysis facilities for rural and metropolitan patients since 2003.
• NSW services have doubled living-donor transplantation rates since 2003.
• Support of working groups to develop evidence-based best practice guidelines.
• Collaboration with HealthShare NSW to implement standardised dialysis purchasing procedures throughout NSW.
• Co-ordination of a state-based advanced trainee education program, available throughout Australasia.
• Centralised medical trainee recruitment process, supporting increased local nephrology trainee appointments.
• The Renal Network is represented on the national group advising Australian Council on Healthcare Standards on renal clinical indicators.