The government is developing a 10-year plan for the NHS in England, due to be published in spring 2025. This will set out a framework for change in the NHS over the next decade.
Kidney Care UK has made a strong case for including chronic kidney disease (CKD) in this plan, but we want the government to go further. We have joined the British Heart Foundation and many other organisations in calling for a dedicated Cardiovascular Disease Action Plan within the 10-year plan to drive forward action to address cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its risk factors, including kidney disease.
Kidney Care UK has joined the Hearts Need More campaign because of the strong connection between hearts and kidneys. Anything that affects your kidneys affects your heart, and vice versa. People with chronic kidney disease are at greatly increased risk of developing CVD, so a national plan to reduce the harm caused by CVD must include measures to reduce the numbers of people developing CKD and progressing to severe disease.Fiona Loud, Kidney Care UK Policy Director
The Hearts Need More campaign highlights that, positively, CVD is largely preventable, with around 70% of cases in the UK attributed to modifiable factors, such as obesity and smoking. A prevention-first approach needs to happen across government departments, not just health, to create an environment where everyone can live in good health for longer and future generations are protected from key risk factors for CVD, such as kidney disease. Campaign calls include:
- Creating a healthier food environment by implementing advertising restrictions.
- Encouraging the food industry to reformulate foods that are less healthy.
- Ensuring more people living with risk factors for heart attack and stroke, such as kidney disease, are identified and treated early.
Kidney Care UK will continue to be part of this vital campaign.