§ Mr. Hattonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what steps he proposes to take to provide additional funds in the North-West Region so as to enable more people under 50 years of age to receive treatment for kidney failure;
140W(2) what steps he proposes to take to provide new centres in the North-West Region to increase the number of places available for treatment on artificial kidney machines.
§ Mr. MoyleRenal dialysis services are funded from the overall capital and revenue allocations made annually to regional and area health authorities. Health authorities themselves are responsible for determining which developments can take place locally within their financial resources and having regard to all other priorities.
The North-Western Region's forward plans include proposals for additional renal dialysis treatment facilities for patients of all ages to be provided, if possible, within the next five years at three further centres: Hope Hospital, Salford; North Manchester General Hospital; and Preston Royal Infirmary.