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13. ARTIFICIAL KIDNEY MACHINES
There has during the year been an increase in the treatment of patients with
chronic renal failure by the provision of artificial kidney machines installed in their
own homes. Since the treatment is complex it is the view of the Ministry of Health,
whether this is undertaken in hospital or in the home, it should be based on a hospital
which has full supporting facilities.
Whilst the hospital authorities are responsible for providing and maintaining the
necessary equipment, local authorities are able to make arrangements for the adaptation
of premises. During the year the first such application in Ealing was received by
the Council. This was approved and the Minister gave authority for the adaptation of
this and any other premises under Section 28 of the National Health Service Act. The
Council decided that its policy would be to make such charge as is reasonable,
having regard to the means of the person concerned.
The type of adaptation which is necessary in these cases consists of making
the walls and ceiling of the treatment room crack-proof and washable, and the floor
waterproof. A sink with a good supply of water must be installed and it is also
necessary to provide storage space for sterile dressings and containers of fluid. In
some instances, in order to accommodate these requirements and still leave space
for a bed, it is necessary to build an extension. The cost of modifications usually
varies between £50 - £250.
The limiting factor in the development of this service at present is not a shortage
of kidney machines but the need to provide the supporting hospital accommodation
and the recruitment and training of hospital medical, nursing and technical staff. The
Ministry has assured the Council that it is proceeding as rapidly as possible with
these arrangements.
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