GPs may offer dialysis to kidney patients under new framework

Patients with kidney failure could be offered dialysis at their GP's surgery, so that one of the five key standards set out in the new national service framework for renal services can be met.

The first part of the framework, which was published last week, recommends flexible options for dialysis that are suited to patients' needs and lifestyle.

Around 30 000 patients in England have established renal failure, about half of whom have had a transplant and half are on dialysis. Dr Steve Smith, president of the British Renal Society, …