Fewer renal dialysis beds
THERE are fewer renal dialysis beds in Altnagelvin Hospital than in any of the six hospitals across Northern Ireland where the kidney treatment is offered.
There are currently 17 renal dialysis beds at Altnagelvin though one inpatient renal dialysis bed in the Hospital is only available three days per week. The Western Trust is also served by the Tyrone County Hospital which currently has 24 renal dialysis beds.
East Londonderry MP George Robinson asked the Health Minister Michael McGimpsey for the number and location of kidney beds across Northern Ireland compared to ten years ago. The Minister pointed out that there were no beds at the Londonderry hospital in 2000 or in 2005.
There were 16 at Tyrone County Hospital in 2000; 24 in 2005; and 24 in 2010. The figures quoted include the number of inpatient renal dialysis beds and the number of haemodialysis stations.