HC Deb 19 July 1985 vol 83 cc310-1W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will ensure that no treatment to kidney patients on dialysis or for kidney transplants are denied medication on the grounds of cost; if he will indicate the steps he has taken to reduce the cost of proprietary drugs; if he will give the names of the drugs concerned; and if he will make a statement;

(2) whether he is considering additional action, apart from the current campaign, to increase the number of kidney donors; if he will indicate the current supply of kidney organs and the possible expansion of the supply of such organs; and if he will make a statement;

(3) what is the number of kidney patients awaiting transplants; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

I shall let the hon. Member have replies as soon as possible.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what recent developments have taken place concerning the treatment of kidney patients by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis; if he will indicate the numbers now receiving such treatment; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

Improvements are being made all the time in the provision of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) which make the procedure easier for patients to administer and which reduce the risk of complications. According to information supplied by the European Dialysis and Transplantation Association, 1,844 renal patients were receiving CAPD treatment in the United Kingdom on 31 December 1984 compared to 1,136 on 31 December 1982. CAPD represents a valuable addition to the range of treatment options available for patients suffering end stage renal failure.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in the light of the campaign to increase the number of kidney donors, he has any plans to establish more renal units or to expand current units; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

It is for health authorities to decide whether additional renal units should be established or existing ones expanded.