Boost for dialysis patients

Healthcare for kidney patients in Powys is set to be boosted with a new unit. Improved facilities for dialysis patients in the county are a step nearer.It follows a promise from the Welsh Assembly Health Minister that the county is a priority for expansion of renal provision in Wales.

Patients in Powys have to travel to Shrewsbury or Wrexham for regular treatment, but hopes have been raised that facilities will be provided in Welshpool soon.

Doug Wellstead, Powys Local Health Board (LHB) operations manager, said that health minister, Edwina Hart has said she wanted to see local units throughout Wales, which included Powys.

Mr Wellstead said: “The renal services are not commissioned by Powys LHB or run by the LHB - they are commissioned by Health Commission Wales and they’re currently in negotiations with Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Wrexham Maelor Hospital to provide the service in Welshpool.”

He said, although the LHB could not provide the clinical service, because it does not have the specialist skills locally, it could provide premises, such as at Welshpool Hospital.

“It is taking an awful long time, but we are in Health Commission Wales’ hands,” said Mr Wellstead. “Though the Minister has now put her foot down and says she want to see this done.”

A Welsh Assembly Government spokesman said: “Mrs Hart is keen to improve access to kidney dialysis across Wales.

“She confirmed in a statement to Assembly Members in November Powys will be one of the areas across Wales to be an early priority to expand renal dialysis provision.”