§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much was spent on the provision of kidney machines in the National Health Service in 1983–84; and how that figure compares with 1978–79, in both cash and real terms.
§ Mr. John PattenThis information is not available centrally. The number of patients being treated by haemodialysis in the United Kingdom rose from 2,883 on 31 December 1978 to 3,708 on 31 December 1982, the most recent date for which information is available. It has been estimated that the capital cost of a kidney machine is between £5,500 and £8,500 depending upon specifications. A study undertaken in 1981 estimated the cost of maintaining a patient on haemodialysis at home at between £7,100 and £8,700 (£7,950 to £9,750 at 1983 prices) and the cost of maintaining a patient on haemodialysis in hospital at between £11,200 and £13,650 (£12,550 and £15,300 at 1983 prices). A study undertaken in 1983 suggested that the average cost of maintaining a patient on haemodialysis in a satellite unit at £8,700. These figures include the costs of staffing and consumables, the value of machines, equipment and home conversions expressed on an annual basis, and the average costs incurred as a result of medical complications.
§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much was spent by the National Health Service on kidney transplants in 1983–84; and how that figure compares with the figure for 1978–79.
§ Mr. John PattenThis information is not available centrally. The number of cadaver kidney transplant operations performed in the United Kingdom rose from 842 in 1979 to 1,160 in 1983, and the latter figure had already been passed in October 1984. A study undertaken in 1981 estimated the cost of a successful transplant at between £5,000 and £5,700 in the first year (£5,600 and £6,450 at 1983 prices) and at between £1,400 and £1,650 in subsequent years (£1,550 and £1,850 at 1983 prices). Changes in practice since then, particularly the introduction of the drug Cyclosporin A which significantly increases graft survival, will have increased the cost of post operative treatment.
§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any plans to expand the number of kidney transplants and the number of kidney machines available to the National Health Service.
§ Mr. John PattenExpanding the facilities for treating patients who suffer end stage renal failure is a matter for health authorities, but they have been told of the need for renal services to be developed as a priority within the acute sector. The Government are fully committed to the expansion of these services and we will shortly be announcing targets, agreed with health authorities, to ensure that this is achieved.
§ Mr. Michieasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many kidney patients are currently using CAPD2 renal dialysis peritoneal dialysis solution treatment in their homes; and what financial assistance is currently available to patients using such equipment in their own homes for running and maintenance costs.
§ Mr. John PattenAccording to the most recent information from the European Dialysis and Transplant 317W Association, the number of renal patients in the United Kingdom being treated by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) on 31 December 1982 was 1,136. Nearly all CAPD patients return to their homes after a short period in hospital when they are trained in the technique. CAPD does not involve the use of a machine and maintenance costs do not, therefore, arise. No financial assistance is provided specifically for CAPD patients but all equipment and fluids for the treatment are provided free of charge, and the patients are exempt from prescription charges.