§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he now intends taking to increase the supply of kidneys for transplant; what extra sum of money he is making available for this work; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenWe are planning a new publicity campaign early in 1984 to increase awareness of the importance of organ donation and the benefits of transplantation. We enjoy good co-operation with a number of outside agencies in the voluntary promotion of the donor card scheme, and are continuing our efforts to increase these outlets. We are also funding as a pilot project the appointment of a number of consultants to act as part-time transplant advisers with the job of improving hospital liaison procedures. The cost of kidney transplants is met from the ordinary allocations of health authorities and I understand that most renal transplant units have the capacity to perform more operations if they had more donor kidneys. The number of kidney transplants performed in the United Kingdom in 1982 was 1,030, a new record, and returns to the United Kingdom transplant service for 1983 so far suggest that even this figure will be exceeded.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will ask each health authority to supply the names of the staff they consulted regarding the development of additional facilities for kidney treatment; and if he will include this in his report to Parliament;
(2) when he expects to receive a report from the various health authorities regarding their provision for the care of kidney patients; if he will seek assurances from each of the 530W authorities that the medical and nursing staff concerned with the treatment of kidney patients have been consulted; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what action he is taking to monitor renal services; and if he will seek evidence direct from renal consultants.
§ Mr. John PattenWe have written to all regional health authorities seeking details of current plans for developing both kidney transplantation and renal dialysis provision. My right hon. Friend will be reviewing these plans. We have asked authorities to indicate how far plans are agreed with consultants specialising in the treatment of end stage renal failure, and I would expect consultants to have discussed this with the nursing staff of their units. We are not asking authorities for the names of people consulted.