§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many hospitals have been forced to close or to cut back on their kidney units during the last three years.
§ Dr. VaughanI have referred in my reply today to the hon. Member for Brent, South (Mr. Pavitt) to the temporary closure of the unit at the Westminster hospital. I am not aware of any other hospital which has closed its kidney unit, or of any where the dialysis services have been significantly reduced in the last three years. Some units have carried out fewer transplants than in previous years but this is due to the shortage of donor kidneys. Meanwhile, the total number of patients treated annually has continued to increase, rising from 1, 182 in 1978 to 1, 206 in 1979 and 1, 373 in 1980.
§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the renal dialysis unit at Westminster hospital has been closed; what equipment has thereby been made redundant; what is the cost of this equipment at current prices; what arrangements have been made for its future use: and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanThis unit has been closed temporarily because it was not possible to recruit suitably trained staff. Full details of the equipment involved are not available centrally and the hon. Member may wish to seek further information direct from the Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster area health authority (teaching).