HC Deb 30 January 1985 vol 72 c226W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to achieve his target of 40 new patients per annum per million of the population who are suffering from end-stage renal failure; if he can give any indication of a speed-up in the process; if he will indicate what his target figure is for 1990; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Richmond and Barnes (Mr. Hanley) on 20 December at columns310–311. No target figure has been set for 1990.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consider the establishment of an independent inquiry into the treatment of end-stage renal failure; if he will indicate what policies his Department recommends in circumstances where there is insufficient provision for patients in need; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

There is already a great deal of information available about the treatment of end-stage renal failure and we do not consider that an independent inquiry would significantly add to present knowledge.

Whether or not an individual patient is accepted for treatment is a matter for the clinical judgment of the doctors involved.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that all patients needing treatment for end-stage renal failure receive such treatment; if he is satisfied with the referral rate by general practitioners and other consultants to renal consultants; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

There is a need for a higher level of services for treatment of end-stage renal failure which is why their development has been identified as a priority, and targets set against which expansion can be monitored.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consider setting up a limited number of renal units to cater for the problems created by difficult kidney patients; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

It is for health authorities to decide, in the light of local clinical advice, whether any special treatment facilities are required for particular categories of kidney patients.