§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) in view of the fact that over half of the patients who develop renal failure are over 55 years of age, if he will provide more resources so that a greater percentage of people of this age can be given modern treatments;
(2) if he is satisfied with the present management of end-stage renal failure in the United Kingdom in view of the fact that only five-eights of such patients receive transplants or renal dialysis; if he is satisfied with the number and distribution of renal units; and if he will seek to provide more funds and facilities.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe annual number of patients starting treatment for chronic renal failure in the United Kingdom has increased steadily, but there are still not sufficient facilities to meet all the estimated needs. Most of the shortfall is in the older age groups, though in the past few years the number of older patients accepted has increased appreciably. I am not satisfied with the present level of services, but the priority to be given to expanding them is primarily for health authorities to judge. The number of transplants is constrained mainly by the supply of donor kidneys and we are continuing our efforts to improve this. As regards additional resources, I refer the hon. Member to the reply he received from my hon. Friend the Member for Reading, South (Dr. Vaughan) on 3 February 1982.—[Vol. 17, c.159.]