Mr. Jim Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many patients are at present using kidney machines either in a hospital or at home in the North-West; if he is satisfied with the number of machines and the number of trained staff available to operate them; and whether he has any plans to increase the number of machines in the near future.
§ Dr. VaughanIn 1978, the latest year for which figures are held centrally, there were 96 patients on home dialysis and 35 on hospital dialysis in the region for which the North-Western regional health authority is responsible. The number of machines and the number of trained staff available to operate them are for the regional health authority to determine in the light of local circumstances and available resources.