§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the latest figures available for the numbers receiving kidney dialysis treatment at home and in hospital; what is the cost per patient; what plans he has for using the additional resources provided in the Budget; and what further 607W steps he is taking to increase the total receiving treatment.
§ Mr. MoyleAt 30th June 1977 there were 2,375 patients on dialysis in England and Wales of whom 1,644 were being dialysed in their own homes. The annual running cost of maintaining a patient on haemodialysis is estimated to be approximately £10,000 in hospital and £6,000 at home.
My Department is discussing with regional health authorities and representatives from dialysis units how the high rate of expansion in the dialysis services, envisaged by the budget announcement may most appropriately be implemented. A further announcement will be made when we have completed consultations.