§ Mr. George HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will make a statement on the work carried out by the voluntary supporters of the Kirkby kidney fund;
(2) if he will take steps urgently to ensure that the Kirkby kidney fund is allowed to continue its work and that the difficulties caused by the Mersey regional health authority's refusal to help identify suitable acceptable accommodation are resolved.
§ Mrs. CurrieSupporters of the Kirkby kidney fund have worked very hard over the years to help those suffering from chronic renal failure, giving generously of their time and money. The Mersey regional health authority greatly appreciates and values the contribution they have made.
When the Kirkby kidney fund began its work dialysis facilities were scarce and similar units in a number of places across the region supported by voluntary workers were an appropriate solution at that time to provide additional facilities. Now no one needing dialysis in the Mersey region is waiting. As older and more ill patients are accepted it is being found that the priority must be provision of additional places in hospital premises where professional support is available. Patients not requiring hospital facilities are generally dialysed at home or by Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis which does not require regular attendance at a centre.
125WThe regional health authority has suggested that the Kirkby kidney fund should review the help it provides. The hon. Member may care to contact the chairman of the Mersey regional health authority for further information.