HC Deb 01 February 1978 vol 943 cc175-7W
Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the number of dialysis treatments was cut to 80 per month at Sefton General Hospital; and if he will now take steps to restore the facility to at least its previous level.

Mr. Moyle

The number of treatments has not been reduced but is being held by the Liverpool Area Health Authority (Teaching) at the level of 80 per month which had been reached in March 1977. This is one of a number of measures taken by the authority to contain expenditure

dialysis by each health region on 30th June 1977 was as follows:

within its cash allocation and represents a halt in what was previously a rapid rate of expansion. The present number of treatments compares with an average of 65 per month in 1976.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services by how much the frequency of treatment per patient per week has been reduced at Sefton General Hospital as a result of the cut to 80 per month in the number of dialysis treatments given; if he is satisfied that this is in the best interests of the patients; and if any patient has suffered as a result of the cuts.

Mr. Moyle

The frequency of treatment for some patients has been reduced from three times to twice weekly, but with each session being of longer duration than previously. I am advised that this is not an uncommon practice. A few of the patients at Sefton General Hospital have shown adverse effects, and in these cases the previous frequency of treatment has been restored.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the self-care dialysis facility at Sefton General Hospital is to come into operation.

Mr. Moyle

The Mersey Regional Health Authority has agreed in principle to establish such facilities in the region. The ultimate location has yet to be decided, but for the time being it is intended that the new unit should be sited at Mossley Hill Hospital. Accommodation there will become available when the existing unit for training patients in home care dialysis moves to Sefton General Hospital in March 1978.