| Renal Dialysis Delay |
| Monday, 19 November 2007 | |
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Plans for a six-bed dialysis unit in Southport could be delayed by six months because of the government dragging its feet. Responding by letter to efforts by local MP John Pugh to chase up progress, the Minister responsible for this area, Ann Keen, states that the "Department of Health is to review the specifications of schemes to ensure that they respond to the needs of the NHS and health communities."
Although local patients had hoped to see the
facilities up and running by the summer, the hospital does not expect now to host the facility
until Christmas 2008, according to the MP who goes on to comment: "Hopefully we are looking at a brief delay but in the life of a Southport kidney patient this a whole winter of journeys and hassle. The whole process of planning the multi million pound facility has been well thought out and evidence based. Southport with its high proportion of older residents has a high estimated need. I am at a loss to know what further review is necessary. All it does is delay NHS spending."  Photo: John with Dialysis Patients Bernie Blaney and Caroline Murgatroyd |