We're delighted to let you know that the NHS Kernow clinical commissioning group (CCG) have decided to continue funding dialysis transport for kidney patients. In August last year they announced that funding for transport would be cut in Cornwall - which would have left hundreds of patients unable to afford to go to their dialysis treatment.
In the letter announcing the decision the CCG said, "We have listened to the concerns of people receiving kidney dialysis, who are among the most frequent users of the transport service".
Kidney Care UK opposed the decision to cut the funding from the beginning; we believe that access to dialysis - a life-saving treatment - should not be assessed on a person’s ability to pay. We worked with the five MPs in the area, as well as liaising directly to support the patients, hospitals and NHS Trusts affected; furthermore we met the CCG to explain the serious impact these cuts would have.
Kidney Care UK Policy Director, Fiona Loud, said of the decision: "We welcome this news, are relieved that kidney patients travelling to dialysis will no longer have to worry, are pleased that the CCG listened to the concerns of kidney patients and that they rose to our challenge. Dialysis transport is a major priority for patients, whose vital treatment is 3 times every week."
Steve Double, MP for St Austell and Cornwall also welcomed the news; “This is great news and I am pleased to have campaigned hard on behalf of the many patients needing dialysis in Mid-Cornwall to retain this vital service for them for these crucial regular treatments.
“I was shocked to hear of the proposed changes.
“I have since attended meetings with Kidney Care UK along with local NHS bodies to press the case for retention of these services. I am grateful to the Kernow Clinical Commissioning Group who have listened to and taken on board the points raised by my team and I and made what I believe is the right decision on this matter.”