86 and 87. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many kidney machines are available in National Health Service hospitals; how many patients could be treated by these machines in a normal 12-month period; how many were actually treated in the most recent 12-month period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will make a statement on the shortage of staff in artificial kidney units in the hospitals; and what steps he will take to make good these shortages.
§ Dr. John DunwoodyThe numbers of hospital places equipped to provide intermittent haemodialysis for chronic renal failure and the numbers of patients under treatment in June, 1968, and June, 1969, were as follows:
30th June, 30th June, 1968 1969 Places … … 162 238 Patients … … 307 390 There were also 115 and 289 patients on home dialysis at the respective dates but still under hospital supervision. Each hospital place might be sufficient for maintenance of three patients, including those being trained for home dialysis and those being prepared for renal transplantation. The occurrence of infection may impede the work of a unit or recruitment of suitable patients may only be possible over an extended period so that the full theoretical capacity cannot be used at any one time.
I am aware of Press speculation on the interpretation of these figures. Further inquiries are being made. Finance for the recruitment of staff was provided when each unit was established, but recruitment for this work has been difficult in some units.