HC Deb 27 July 1966 vol 732 cc1705-6
11. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he is taking to overcome the shortage of artificial kidney machines in Scottish hospitals; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Millan

Regional hospital boards have considered, at the request of my right hon. Friend, the development (in Scotland) of treatment of chronic renal failure by dialysis in the light of recommendations by a working group of the Standing Medical Advisory Committee. As a result of this, there should, by the autumn, be 10 additional kidney machines in operation in Scottish hospitals making 14 in all; 5 in Edinburgh, 5 in Glasgow, 2 in Dundee and 2 in Aberdeen. This should enable 42 patients to be treated.

Mr. Dempsey

Can my hon. Friend give an assurance that the shortage of machines will in no way impair the provisions of this essential medical service? Furthermore, can he say that it will in no way delay the new hospital building programme in Scotland?

Mr. Millan

We are planning for a further expansion of this service. The hospital building programme is already laid down in the Review of the Hospital Plan.

Mr. Stodart

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Minister of Health announced that the number of persons being treated by machines in England and Wales would be doubled within the next twelve months? Can he say whether the same speed of expansion will apply to Scotland?

Mr. Millan

Only twelve patients are being treated at the moment. There will be 42 patients by the autumn, and over the succeeding twelve months there will be another 30 or so. I think that we are doing at least as well as England and Wales.