HC Deb 08 May 1985 vol 78 cc450-1W
Sir Peter Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) of the extra funds available in the south-west region for kidney patients, how much is available for North Devon health authority;

(2) in view of the extra money available for kidney patients, he will set up a kidney treatment centre for north Devon at Barnstaple hospital.

Mr. John Patten

Renal services in the south-western region are funded as a regional specialty, so it is for the regional health authority, in discussion with the relevant district health authorities, to decide where the facilities for the treatment of end stage renal failure should be provided. In 1984–85, £65,000 was allocated to the south-western region on a recurring basis for new initiatives in renal service provision. It is for the regional health authority to decide how and where these additional funds should be spent.