End-stage kidney disease is the final stage of chronic kidney disease.
At this point, the kidneys have lost almost all their ability to function, failing to filter waste, and balance fluids. Dialysis or a kidney transplant is required at this point to sustain life.
Manitoba had the highest rate of end-stage kidney disease in Canada from 2013 to 2021.
Tyson Shtykalo is Manitoba's Auditor General.
"That rate continues to grow," he said. "Even though dialysis is a life-sustaining service, the province does not know if it's achieving the best results for patients or providing the best value for taxpayers."
In 2021, 38.9% of end-stage kidney disease in Manitoba was attributable to diabetes, which was the highest diabetes primary diagnosis rate per million population across Canada. Chronic kidney disease is caused by kidney damage, often due to prolonged high blood pressure or high blood sugar.
Dialysis filters the blood to remove toxins, waste products, and excess fluids. In a recent audit done by Shtykalo, he identified three major issues. The first is that the responsibilities for dialysis are unclear.
"The funding model isn't tied to outcomes or cost analysis," ended Shtykalo. "There is no operational plan for dialysis services. This results in uncertainty and inefficiencies. It limits the ability to translate strategic goals into operational actions."
Shtykalo outlined six recommendations. He recommends that Shared Health monitor and evaluate the implementation of the clinical and preventative services plan by the authorities.
You can see the entire audit here.
