Struggle for Local Kidney Patients

1.50.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 7th Mar 2007

There are approximately 10,000 borough residents with some form of kidney damage or abnormality - 5,400 specifically in Twickenham according to the National Kidney Federation. A minority, who have experienced renal failure, have to travel regularly to dialysis units, which may involve travelling to Ashford or Ealing, each over an hour away by public transport.

The focus on kidney disease comes from World Kidney Day this week and a survey by the National Kidney Federation of patchy services. There is, overall, a shortage of dialysis capacity for those in a serious condition and needing dialysis or transplant. Many patients have to travel long distances.

Vincent Cable MP said: "Professionals say that patients needing dialysis should not have to travel for over 30 minutes for reasons of safety and while that is achievable for local car users it is not for those dependent on public transport. The solution is either more home units or more local centres. There is some urgency since the projections suggest a virtual doubling of demand over a decade."