Dialysis unit bid update planned

Friday 22nd January 2010, 10:56AM GMT.

Shropshire health bosses today said they hope to give an update on plans for a dialysis unit at Ludlow Hospital next month.

Campaigners for the unit, which would allow people with kidney problems to get dialysis treatment in Ludlow rather than travelling to Hereford, Kidderminster or Shrewsbury, pledged £55,000 towards equipment last summer, but there has been little news since.

Wendy Southall, of Shropshire County PCT, said: “A proposal for a possible local renal service at Ludlow Hospital is still being developed, and an update on its progress is expected during next month.

“The regional NHS Specialised Team for the West Midlands who commission renal dialysis will then be considering the proposal.

“The offer from the Hospital League of Friends to purchase equipment is a very generous one, and the PCT will be working closely on this with the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, the regional team and the League of Friends as the proposal develops.”

Friends chairman Peter Corfield said: “We believe that up to 20 patients locally have to travel to Shrewsbury or Kidderminster for dialysis, and there may be others from north Herefordshire, Worcestershire or even Powys that might find Ludlow more convenient.”

Nigel Hall, also from the League of Friends, said: “There is an empty ward at the hospital that could be used for this and it’s a shame its still not being used.”

View more: Ludlow news, Powys news, Shrewsbury news.