§ 32. Mr. Edwin Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many hospitals in the Trent Regional Health Authority area are having to refuse admittance of new sufferers from kidney failure because of the action being taken by the medical physics technicians over their pay dispute; and if she will make a statement on what action she is taking to ensure that these new sufferers from kidney failure can receive adequate treatment.
§ Dr. OwenThere are two units in the Trent Regional Health Authority Area at present providing haemodialysis for patients with chronic renal failure. Medical physics technicians at the Sheffield unit are taking industrial action. Delay in installing equipment in their homes has prevented some patients from transfering to home dialysis and, as a result, the hospital dialysis unit at Sheffield is now fully extended. My Department's officers are in close touch with the health authority.