§ Mr. Miscampbellasked 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. RobinsonBlackpool 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.