HC Deb 30 January 1985 vol 72 cc184-5W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects to achieve a target of 40 new patients per annum per million of the population in Wales 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. Wyn Roberts

The resources capable of accepting a referral level of 45 to 50 new patients per million population per annum in Wales will be available as from next month. Subsidiary renal units to be made available this year should increase referral rates to take up the capacity provided. Our aim is to ensure as soon as possible that no patient who can benefit from dialysis will be denied it through lack of facilities.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will consider the establishment in Wales 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. Wyn Roberts

Our strategy for Wales was set out in our replies to the hon. Gentleman on 5 December 1983, at columns 22–23, 26 January 1984, at column 706, and 21 February 1984, at column 504. Our programme for achieving this strategy is ahead of schedule. An independent inquiry is unnecessary.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied that all patients in Wales 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. Wyn Roberts

I am not satisfied that all such patients have been referred for treatment; that is why we are making resources available to ensure that referral rates are not constrained by a shortage of facilities.

Mr. Carter-Jones

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

Mr. Wyn Roberts

Difficult patients can dialyse at the two existing units in Cardiff and Bodelwyddan, and will be able to at the Morriston unit which will open next month. Patients who experience difficulty will also be able to dialyse under supervision in the two subsidiary renal units to be opened this year in Bangor and Carmarthen.