PLANS for a much-needed new kidney dialysis centre in the region are being considered.
Yesterday, health bosses at the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, agreed to begin planning for the centre.
If it goes ahead, it is expected to open in the Middlesbrough area, possibly at the proposed North Ormsby Health Village. Although it would be run by a private company, it would be part of NHS services.
Health bosses are responding to predictions that the number of patients requiring kidney dialysis three times a week in the region will steadily rise in the next 15 years.
In May, the Northern Renal Services Review Group said all haemodialysis units were full and recommended expanding facilities.
The haemodialysis unit at the James Cook hospital provides facilities for 20 patients.
Privately-run haemodialysis units providing facilities for 13 patients were established in 1994 at Darlington Memorial Hospital and the University Hospital of North Tees, in Stockton.
The new unit would initially provide facilities for ten patients, but could cater for 45 after five years.
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