§ Mr. ChurchillTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of patients who die each year due to renal failure through the non-availability of dialysis machines to treat them; and if he will make a statement on the remedial measures he is taking. [14061]
§ Mr. HoramThis information is not available. It is for individual health authorities to allocate resources to renal services based on an assessment of the needs of their population and taking account of local priorities. Good practice guidance has been issued to help authorities to carry out a proper assessment of need for patients with renal failure. Purchasing guidance will be issued to health authorities shortly.
§ Mr. ChurchillTo ask the Secretary of State for Health on what date he received the national review of renal services; and if he will now publish it. [14062]
§ Mr. HoramMy right hon. Friend the then Secretary of State received the report of the national review of renal services in December 1994. We are currently considering a number of issues as to how to take this forward. This includes related guidance on purchasing renal services to be issued to health authorities in time for the next contracting round.