Third World criticism of renal units

Kidney patients in Wales are being cared for in "Third World" conditions, a charity is claiming.

The Kidney Wales Foundation said that renal units in the country are at "breaking point" and is launching a campaign to improve the standard of care.

The People Like Us campaign is being spearheaded by Allison Jon, who has had heart, lungs, liver and kidney transplants.

She said: "The number of people with acute renal failure needing treatment is increasing in Wales, and soon regional units will be operating beyond capacity.

"Subjecting sick patients to treatment in poor facilities and making them wait hours to get home is simply not acceptable in the 21st century.

"We need more dialysis units across Wales and better transport arrangements as a matter of urgency to prevent sick and vulnerable people from having to make long journeys several times a week."

The campaign is calling on the Welsh Assembly Government to increase the number of dialysis units, improve transport links, create a single organisation to co-ordinate kidney services and to create a dedicated transplant unit.

A Welsh Assembly Government spokesman said Health Minister Edwina Hart has met the foundation and is considering the provision of dialysis treatment in Wales.

Kidney patients are presenting Ms Hart with a 60-page document outlining the crisis in renal care at the Senedd, Cardiff Bay, at 3.30pm today.