§ Mr. Colemanasked the Minister of Health (1) how many patients in Wales require treatment by means of an artificial kidney machine; and whether the demand for such treatment can be fully met in Welsh hospitals;
(2) how many members of the staffs of Welsh hospitals are qualified to treat patients in Wales by means of artificial 9W kidney machines; and what plans he has for increasing the number so qualified;
(3) how many artificial kidney machines are installed in hospitals in Wales; and if he is satisfied that the maximum use is being made of these machines.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonThere are two artificial kidney machines at Cardiff Royal Infirmary dealing with cases of acute renal failure: they are in full use. Four doctors and a technician are fully trained to treat such patients. A new ten-bedded unit is being established at the Hospital to treat patients suffering from chronic renal failure and staff will be trained for this purpose as the service develops. The number of patients in Wales requiring this form of treatment is not known. I know of no country in the world in which the demand for intermittent dialysis can at present be fully met.