§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the number of trained staff available to use kidney machines; whether there is likely to be a growing number of kidney machines made available; and if he will estimate the shortfall of patients not receiving kidney dialysis who would benefit from it.
§ Dr. VaughanIt is estimated that about 40 new patients per million population per year would benefit from dialysis in England and Wales. In 1978 about 17 new patients per million population actually received this treatment. The services have been increasing—the equivalent figure was 14.6 in 1975–6—but gradually, because of some difficulties in recruiting staff and inadequate facilities in some areas and because of the expense of the consumables required for dialysis. The level of provision is decided by health authorities in the light of local circumstances, but it may be expected to increase as resources allow. An increase in the supply of kidneys available for transplantation, which it is this Government's policy to promote, would help.