§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations his Department received on 3 January with regard to patients awaiting kidney transplants; what ministerial reply was given; what action he is taking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanI received a deputation from the Dulwich Kidney Patients' Association on 3 January protesting against the decision by the Commissioners for the Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham Area that, because of overspending on renal transplantation at East Dulwich hospital, no further transplants could be carried out there during the658W current financial year. I told the deputation that the Government were committed to increasing the number of kidney transplants if possible. However, in view of the large overspending at the East Dulwich renal unit and its implications for other health services in the district. I considered that the Commissioners' decision was justified. I also said that I would be discussing the situation with the British Kidney Patients Association and Mr. Bewick—the consultant surgeon—to see whether alternative funds could be made available temporarily to enable transplant operations to continue and whether costs at the unit could be reduced. I have had a further meeting with Mr. Bewick on 11 January.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what contact his Department has had with the British Kidney Patients' Association with regard to payment by the association for kidney transplant operations up to the end of the current financial year; what was the outcome; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanI met Mrs. Ward, president of the British Kidney Patients' Association, on 7 January and discussed her generous offer to fund the cost of essential transplant operations at East Dulwich hospital up to the end of the current financial year. This is a matter which she will need to discuss with the Commissioners for Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham Area, and I understand that Sir Frank Hartley, chairman of the commissioners, has invited Mrs. Ward to meet him.