HC Deb 29 October 1990 vol 178 cc399-400W
Mr. David Nicholson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received about the provision of full renal units in England and Wales; what information he has on their provision in France, Germany and Italy; what proposals he has to increase such provision; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dorrell

A number of representations on a wide range of issues concerning renal services has been received. Planning and provision of renal services is a matter for health authorities. Information on the provision of renal units in this country and in Europe is collected and published annually by the European Dialysis and Transplant Association.

Mr. David Nicholson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the arrangements to provide suitable transport for patients requiring dialysis outside the home where the nearest dialysis facilities are more than 40 miles distant.

Mr. Dorrell

Ambulance service transport is available free of charge for all patients, including those requiring dialysis, regardless of the distance to be travelled, provided their medical need for transport is certified by their GP or hospital consultant.

Mr. David Nicholson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what facilities for dialysis outside patients' homes exist within the health authority areas of Somerset, Cornwall, Bath, West Dorset, Gloucester and Cheltenham.

Mr. Dorrell

Somerset health authority does not have any facilities outside patients' homes but it is actively considering services for patients with chronic renal failure.

Cornwall health authority has facilities for acute haemodialysis, which has been available at Treliske hospital in Truro since 1987. In April 1988 a satellite unit at Treliske hospital was established.

In Bath health authority there are two continuous arteriovenous haemodialysis (CAVH) machines for use by patients at the Royal United hospital. Patients also have access to treatment, on referral, at the Southmead hospital, Bristol.

In West Dorset health authority, patients requiring dialysis outside their home are treated at the renal centre in Portsmouth. From 1 November 1990, West Dorset patients will be able to receive dialysis in a self-care dialysis unit at the Dorset county hospital. This new unit will provide facilities for approximately 12 patients per week, and it is expecting delivery of three Fresanious 1008 haemodialysis machines next week.

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) training was set up and became autonomous at the Gloucester Royal hospital in January 1988. This service provides for Gloucester and Cheltenham residents. Some patients have care provided jointly by Oxford and Gloucester. A consultant nephrologist is now in place in Gloucester and plans are in progress for a haemodialysis service for Gloucestershire.