Introduction

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys do not work as well as they should. It's a common condition often associated with getting older. It can affect anyone, but it's more common in people who are black or of south Asian origin. CKD can get worse over time and eventually the kidneys may stop working altogether, but this is uncommon. Many people with CKD are able to live long lives with the condition. There are usually no symptoms of kidney disease in the early stages. It may only be diagnosed if you have a blood or urine test for another reason and the results show a possible problem with your kidneys.

Chronic kidney disease is usually caused by other conditions that put a strain on the kidneys. Often it's the result of a combination of different problems. CKD can be caused by conditions including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and kidney infections. You can help prevent CKD by making healthy lifestyle changes and ensuring any underlying conditions you have are well controlled [1].

Data Overview

The following measure presents the percentage of patients aged 18 years and over with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with classification of categories G3a to G5, as recorded on practice disease registers. Oldham's latest rate of 5.2% is higher than the North West average of 4.6% and the national average of 4.4%. This increase has only been observed in the last two years (2022/23 and 2023/24), with rates for Oldham consistently below regional and national averages prior to this. No data is available for the 2013/14 reporting year. Oldham's rate is 5th highest across Greater Manchester and variation between GP practices is vast. The practice with the lowest recorded prevalence is The Duru Practice with a rate of 0.4% and The Royton & Crompton Family Practice has a rate of 7.3%. This variation may be partly attributable to the average age of patients attending GP practices, as CKD more commonly affects older people.

Figure 1: Chronic kidney disease prevalence (18+ years) trend
Source: NHS England

Figure 2: Chronic kidney disease prevalence (18+ years) across Greater Manchester
Source: NHS England

Figure 3: Chronic kidney disease prevalence (18+ years) by GP practice
Source: NHS England

Further Information & Resources

UK Kidney Association
The UKRR team manages data collection, analysis and reporting on approximately 70,000 people on KRT and on about 500,000 people with an AKI each year. Each year the UKRR publishes an annual report comprising kidney centre comparisons, attainment of the Renal Association audit standards, national averages and long-term trends.

NHS Chronic Kidney Disease Information
NHS overview of chronic kidney disease, the symptoms and treatment.

OHID Data Profiles
OHID data profiles with additional data and information on chronic kidney disease

References

[1] NHS chronic kidney disease page, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-disease/, accessed December 2024

...