Once again in this financial year we have to thank the extremely generous Scottish public and the many Trusts and Companies who have made it possible for us to support Scottish youngster with renal and urology problems. A huge thank you goes to all who have supported Kidney Kids Scotland.
Each year thousands of children across Scotland suffer with bladder and bowel dysfunction and continence problems. THERE IS A POTENTIAL CURE IN EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT. Unfortunately current paediatric continence services throughout many parts of Scotland are fragmented and can be difficult to access. A huge number of children with continence problems are being channeled into secondary care after long delays in either being referred, or waiting for appointments. The lack of provision of an educated workforce results in an inefficient system of missed opportunities for prevention, early treatment and results in growing numbers utilizing costly specialist services. This leads to under-provision of services for children with bladder and bowel problems. In severe cases, children with bladder and bowel dysfunction can develop more serious long term complications if not properly treated. Not only is the medical side of this condition highly serious these children are in danger of being subjected to bullying behavior.
The Band 7 nurse which Kidney Kids Scotland seed funded in Dundee and Tayside supporting their paediatric continence service has proven to be highly successful. With an additional two staff now on board the nurse funded by our Charity is managing to provide the beginnings of an exemplary service in this area, There are now fewer children having to be hospitalised and there has been a makeover of the service provided in Dundee and Tayside. Very much smaller waiting lists and children less dependent on long term use of continence products. Other health boards in Scotland have indicated interest in replicating this type of provision. The cost of this project in Dundee so far is in excess of £129,000. Kidney Kids Scotland are determined and committed to make a difference to continence services for children all over Scotland.
SCOTTISH CHILDREN NEED AND DESERVE A GOOD CONTINENCE SERVICE.
Children receiving in-centre Haemodialysis treatment (dialysis treatment for children with end stage renal failure) have to travel to The Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow three times a week for approximately three-four hours at a time, no matter their postcode. This hospital is the only hospital in Scotland to provide Haemodialysis Treatment. This treatment is a lifeline for these children and it is therefore important for the Charity to provide support to the Haemodialysis Unit in Glasgow. The Charity has supplied every Haemodialysis Machine used within the Unit and makes it a priority to update and replace these machines as and when needed. Keeping these machines in excellent condition ensures that the most chronically ill children receive the best possible treatment available. Unfortunately, we have seen an increase of children having to travel great distances on a regular basis. This can be both financially and emotionally challenging for a family and we have seen an increase in funds being distributed in this way.
The Charity is delighted that the Home Haemodialysis Service is now funded by the NHS. The Permanent Home Haemodialysis Nurse Specialist who set up the Service in Scotland, initially funded by Kidney Kids Scotland and is still enhancing the service daily. One of the Charity’s main goals since its inception in 2000 is to ensure that Scottish children with renal illness receive treatment as close to home as possible. This three-year project was a major commitment for the Charity at a cost of £123,000. In our view the difference it will make to the most chronically ill children could be life changing, not only for the child facing a kidney transplant but for the whole family. This service was officially launched in October 2016 with the first every Scottish child going home on Haemodialysis.
This new approach to dialysis illustrated the way forward in health care i.e. hospital care when it is needed but using developments in treatment to move more care closer to home. This service is now fully operational and the Charity is committed to making this accessible to as many children and their families as possible. This does not detract from the need of the Paediatric Haemodialysis unit based within The Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow. This home treatment is not suitable for every child and not all parents are willing, or able, to take on the huge responsibility of caring for their child receiving this intensive treatment at home It is however totally life changing for those who are able. In addition there is now a Home Haemodialysis Machine based in another Scottish hospital with a trained nurse. This was put in place to support a child unable to have this treatment at home and to save them travelling to Glasgow three times a week.
The only other treatment, and by far the best treatment available for children with end stage renal failure is a Transplant. Kidney Kids Scotland worked with Dr. Deepa Athavale producing and funding the printing of information booklets for families covering many aspects of this condition. These booklets have been very well received by other medical professionals, parents and children benefiting so much from the information provided.
Help for Scottish Families
Financial support for families is, as always, the greatest number of requests received by the Charity and these are referred by either a medical person or a social worker. These requests are an absolute priority for Kidney Kids Scotland. Approximately 25% of the funds the Charity has disbursed goes directly to help families in various forms. It is important that families continue to receive this very valuable support as living and coping with a sick child can impact greatly on family life. This is and continues to be one of the main objectives of Kidney Kids Scotland. It has become apparent to the Charity during this again very difficult year just how important this support is.
Kidney Kids Scotland Family Weekend took place again this year in May at Westerwood Hotel, Cumbernauld which is central to families from all over Scotland. The weekend again proved to be a huge success. These weekends are so valuable, this is a chance for parents to learn more about their child’s illness. Children and parents alike meet with other families facing similar problems enabling them to share issues and learn from and support each other. Consultants have reported a noticeable positive attitude in their clinics.
We are extremely grateful to these dedicated professional people who give up their very valuable time-off to help ensure that parents have a better understanding of their child’s illness. It is always wonderful to watch the children’s faces enjoy the entertainment and crèche. The families have a fantastic break and they also come away far more knowledgeable and far more relaxed. We have booked the next weekend for May 2025.
Drinking Water Campaign
After discussions with consultants throughout Scotland it was highlighted that children should be drinking more water, not only for kidney health but an increase in water drinking decreases illnesses like diabetes obesity and has a positive effect on concentration and learning. The Charity piloted a drinking water campaign with primary schools. The pilot focused on two areas, Falkirk and North Lanarkshire where twelve schools took part. The drinking water together campaign is pupil led with designated water wardens encouraging their peers to drink one bottle of water within the school day. An educational assembly provided by Kidney Kids Scotland was also shown to the school children highlighting healthy kidneys and the importance of drinking water. The feedback from all the schools has been fantastic with more children drinking water and even teachers participating. Some schools have kept the water wardens in place permanently. Going forward the Charity will try and increase the number of schools and the areas participating in our drinking water together challenge.
Scottish Paediatric Renal & Urology Network (SPRUN)
A Scottish Paediatric Renal Urology Network (SPRUN) was set up in 2005 to help standardise local child renal care throughout Scotland. The Charity is a founder member of this Network and has provided further funding to help towards achieving this goal. Being a member allows the Charity to be the voice of families with medical people directly. This is valuable both for the parents and for medical people alike.
This year we were again able to celebrate World Kidney Day and are also delighted to say that many golf clubs supported us once again in our Golf Day. A huge thank you goes to all who took part and for the amazing support given to us by Golf officials and members.
The five principal sources of income for the Charity are:
▪ Collections
▪ Static Cans
▪ Corporate donations
▪ Sponsorship
▪ Events organised by the Charity
It is the policy of the Trustees to maintain the unrestricted reserves of the Charity at three months expenditure.
The Charity’s funds are distributed on an on-going basis and therefore no funds are retained for long term investments.
TO VIEW OUR FULL AUDITED ACCOUNTS PLEASE click HERE
