§ 30. Mr. Hollandasked the Minister of Health how many patients and how many doctors have died in the last year as a result of blood diseases contracted in hospital artificial kidney units.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonNo patients suffering from chronic kidney failure, or doctors treating them, are known to have died from hepatitis contracted in artificial kidney units.
§ Mr. HollandBut would not the Minister agree that to operate these machines knowing the risk attached to them demands courage of the highest order? Can he say what progress is being made in research into finding ways and means of improving the safety factor, either by modifications to the machine or by improved safety clothing?
§ Mr. RobinsonThis matter is being currently considered by the Working Party of experts which advises me. I entirely agree with the first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question. A staff nurse died from hepatitis in May, 1965, an instrument porter in October, 1965, and a student laboratory worker in February, 1966—all at one hospital.
§ Dr. John DunwoodyWould not my right hon. Friend agree that the inevitable risk at this stage of this potentially killing disease underlines the desirability of caution in the development of artificial kidney units?
§ Mr. RobinsonI am grateful to my hon. Friend for confirming what I said in reply to supplementary questions on my recent statement. It is vitally important not to rush this matter.