HC Deb 19 November 1996 vol 285 cc534-5W
Mr. Churchill

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has given to NHS dialysis centres in respect of the re-use of blood lines and dialysers; what assessment he has made of the compliance of NHS staff with manufacturers' recommendations; and if he will make a statement. [4913]

Mr. Horam

No specific guidance has been issued to national health service dialysis centres on this issue; however, general guidance on the re-use of medical devices supplied for single use was provided to the NHS in a device bulletin, DB 9501, published by the Medical Devices Agency in January 1995. Copies will be placed in the Library.

The Medical Devices Agency has issued general guidance advising users to read the manufacturer's instructions for use before using any device.

Mr. Churchill

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what funds are currently made available to provide patients suffering kidney failure with(a) disconnect systems, (b) EPO drug treatment for anaemia and (c) reimbursement of the additional cost of overnight dialysis for those who work. [4914]

Mr. Horam

There is no specific funding for patients suffering kidney failure. Health authorities are given general allocations for hospital and community health services to purchase health care services for their resident population. It is for individual health authorities in consultation with the provider of services to decide the level and type of work of services purchased, taking account of local circumstances and national policies and priorities.