§ Dr. David Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what marrow transplant facilities exist in the northern region; and if he has any plans to extend these facilities.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeA bone marrow transplantation unit has not been established in the northern region, although a few transplants have been carried out at the Royal Victoria infirmary, Newcastle. The expansion of bone marrow transplant facilities is being considered in the context of the new arrangements for health services of national importance to which I referred in my reply to the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe (Mr. Morris) on 21 January.—[Vol. 35, c.248.] This followed the recommendations of the working group on bone 148W marrow transplants published on 18 October 1982.—[Vol. 29, c. 61–62]—that bone marrow transplantation should not be developed as a regional service but on a supra-regional basis. The new arrangements will cover both the funding and location of new bone marrow transplantation units.