Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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14. To ask the Minister for Health the number of west and north Clare persons, and their age bracket, being catered for by dialysis in the home, at University Hospital Galway and at University Hospital Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35557/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I have been advised by the HSE that 27 patients from west and north Clare are currently receiving dialysis under the care of University Hospital Limerick and University Hospital Galway. Of these patients, 21 are receiving their treatment in Limerick, and the majority are aged between 35 and 50 years. The remaining 6 patients are receiving dialysis care in Galway, and they are between 30 and 90 years old.

With regard to both hospital group areas, the numbers of patients receiving home dialysis is less than 5. I am not in a position to provide more specific details in relation to this cohort of patients. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that, given the small numbers involved, the provision of such information might compromise patient confidentiality.

It is worth noting that, as part of a number of significant capital projects across the University of Limerick Hospitals Group, University Hospital Limerick is currently developing a new renal dialysis unit. The new unit will comprise 13 additional and 11 replacement beds, as well as a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis unit. The new dialysis unit, which is part funded with philanthropic funds provided by the Mid-Western Hospitals Development Trust, will be located above the new emergency department. Work is underway and it is expected that the new renal unit will be operational in August 2016.