Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many kidney machine units are available in Scottish and Glasgow hospitals, respectively; how many patients can be treated in these machines; and how many were actually receiving treatment in the most recent monthly period for which figures are available.
§ Mr. RossThere are six hospital units in Scotland—3 in Glasgow—comprising at present 30 equipped beds—12 in Glasgow—where patients receive maintenance treatment by intermittent haemodialysis in chronic renal failure. The generally accepted basis is three patients per equipped bed, but this cannot always be achieved owing to the need for maintenance of equipment and time lags involved in changes of patients. In December, 1969, 75 patients—36 in Glasgow—were actually receiving such treatment.
Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the staffing position of kidney units in Scottish hospitals.
§ Mr. RossThe allocation of staff to each hospital unit is determined by the board of management concerned. On 31st December last all kidney units, except one in Edinburgh, were fully staffed according to the allocation approved by the boards.