HC Deb 22 December 1965 vol 722 c486W
Mr. Miscampbell

asked the Minister of Health to which hospitals cases arising in the Blackpool area requiring chronic dialysis treatment of kidney failure are sent; how many beds are available in Manchester and Liverpool for such treatment; and when he expects beds and equipment to be available to meet the demands of an estimated 2,000 cases throughout the country which arise each year.

Mr. K. Robinson

Blackpool is in the area of the Manchester Regional Hospital Board where there is a unit at the Manchester Royal Infirmary which can treat six patients. There are also facilities in Liverpool for treating a further six patients. My initial aim is to establish a number of main treatment centres, and I am considering with hospital authorities as a matter of urgency how such provision can best be made. I do not know the basis of the hon. Member's estimate of 2,000 cases a year, but it is probable that only a minority of patients suffering from chronic renal failure could benefit from treatment by dialysis.