HC Deb 21 December 1966 vol 738 cc314-5W
69. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many overseas patients, selected because in the opinion of the hospital authorities they are very important persons, are currently using kidney machines; in how many such cases the treatment is being given free within the National Health Service; how many native-born Scots are waiting for the use of such machines; and if he will issue an instruction to hospital authorities that, save in exceptional circumstances of grave emergency, these machines should be at the disposal of native Scots.

Mr. Ross

Two patients from overseas have been receiving renal dialysis, having been admitted to hospital in this country on clinical grounds; one has just returned home; payment has been made in both cases under the usual arrangements for overseas patients. There is no formal waiting list for the use of the kidney machines, but it is estimated that in Scotland about 250 new patients would benefit from such treatment each year. I propose to consider whether general guidance should be issued regarding priorities in the use of kidney machines.