EDM 193: Rural haemodialysis treatment

That this House notes with concern the lack of capacity for haemodialysis, particularly for paediatric patients, in rural communities; recognises that, as a result, patients are often forced to travel significant distances, sometimes up to two and a half hours three times per week to receive care; acknowledges the disproportionate impact this has on the education, mental health, socialisation and general development of paediatric patients; further recognises that, despite NHS England improving equity of access to haemodialysis treatment by providing free transport for patients in 2021, paediatric patients and their families remain disproportionately underprivileged; understands the likely impacts the cost of living crisis will continue to have on these patients and their families; and calls on the Government to support the work of organisations such as Kidney Research UK and the National Kidney Federation in helping to raise awareness, remove barriers to treatment and combat kidney disease.