Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a further statement on the inquiries which he has been making into the availability and use of kidney machines in hospitals, and of the staffing position in kidney machine units.
§ Dr. John DunwoodyMy inquiries have established the following figures, for England and Wales, about treatment of chronic renal failure by intermittent haemodialysis as at 1st January, 1970:
Number of units 31 Number of places 248 Number of patients in hospital 434 Number of patients at home 374 There were vacancies for three doctors, 47 nursing staff, five technicians and eight other staff.
Study of the pattern of usage continues. When it is complete I will write to the hon. Member.