NKF Campaigns Zone:
Letter from Michael Hill and Gary Lloyd (NKF Co-chairmen) to the Rt. Hon. John Reid MP (Secretary of State for Health): 20 May 2004 Rt Hon John Reid MP Dear Dr Reid Out of Area Temporary DialysisPrior to the advent of PCTs the majority of haemodialysis patients enjoyed unrestricted funding for UK dialysis away from their home unit. This is now in many cases being unreasonably restricted to 2 weeks or less and we attach a paper outlining the current position. Although previously indicated that this would be the case, the Renal National Service Framework did not resolve this problem and we think you will agree that precise corrective direction should now be given. We are not asking you to pay for patients’ holidays, we are asking you to pay for the treatment that keeps them alive whilst on holiday or on business, without which would be in breach of a patient’s human rights. Yours sincerely Michael Hill/Gary Lloyd Cc Ms Rosie Winterton MP, Minister for State for Health |