Call to rethink cuts to kidney services in Jersey

by GD Tue 23 Feb 2010, 12:15 pm

If the service is cut, patients will have to undergo dialysis in hospital

Controversial cuts to services for kidney patients are to be discussed by Jersey's government.
New patients with chronic kidney failure will not be offered peritoneal dialysis which can be administered at home or at work.
Critics say patients will lose their independence and more than 600 people have joined an internet group calling for the States to rethink the cuts.
The Health Department has blamed staff shortages for the cuts.
Assistant Health Minister Judy Martin told BBC News it was a temporary measure and services were not being reduced permanently.
But Kevin Lewis, Deputy for St Saviour, said he was told funding for the treatment will cease for new patients, which would mean dialysis patients will need regular hospital appointments.
He intends to ask Health Minister Anne Pryke what steps are being taken to address concerns about staffing levels and the morale of the kidney unit. ( from BBC)

How crazy is this, surely the States can think of other ways to save money then making patients loose out...