Kidney Disease (Deaths)

HC Deb 02 August 1976 vol 916 cc582-3W

Mr. Canavan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many deaths have been reported in Scotland in each of the past five years as a result of a shortage of kidney machines.

Mr. Harry Ewing

This information is not recorded on the medical certification of cause of death.

Mr. Canavan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many complaints he has received in each of the past five

NUMBER OF KIDNEY MACHINES IN USE IN THE NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE IN SCOTLAND (at 31st December in each year)
			1971	1972	1973	1974	1975
In hospital	…	…	47	50	61	63	74
At home	…	…	13	29	51	81	96
Total	…	…	60	79	112	144	170

There is no question of a recommended figure for the number of kindney machines required at any one time. The level of provision--machines, premises and trained staff—is for decision by the health boards concerned, in the light of the resources available.