HC Deb 20 May 1980 vol 985 c159W
Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will place a supply of his redesigned card for kidney donors in the Library; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Vaughan

I am doing so today.

Sir Timothy Kitson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in view of the wide public concern about services for kidney patients, he will take steps to improve the kidney donor card scheme and ensure that voluntary funds are used effectively to supplement National Health Service services.

Dr. Vaughan

I agree there is great public sympathy for kidney patients. Everybody can help kidney sufferers if they wish, by offering to become a kidney donor. A new plastic kidney donor card which will be less likely to get damaged will be available from Tuesday 20 May onwards. Supplies will shortly be issued to all general practitioners' surgeries and other outlets. I hope this will help many more people to carry kidney donor cards. In addition, I shall shortly be introducing an entirely new card which will be for kidney donation and also for donating other parts of the body.

Individuals can play a very big part in adding to the resources of the health service through voluntary funding and I am writing to health authority chairmen asking for the closest possible understanding and co-operation between those responsible for the service and those who wish to help them through voluntary effort.