FIFTEEN more dialysis stations will be bought for the Royal Preston Hospital, thanks to government cash.

The new equipment, which will enable a further 60 patients to be treated each week, will be bought with a £2.3million investment in Lancashire and South Cumbrian renal services.

The total number of dialysis stations at the Royal Preston Hospital will be raised to 26, and will involve a £1.1 million extension.

The hospital is a regional 'hub' for renal services, providing assessment and diagnosis for patients suffering from kidney disease and offering them acute and maintenance treatment.

In addition, consultants from the department hold regular clinics in Chorley, Blackburn, Burnley, Blackpool, Barrow, Lancaster and Kendal. Jeff Moore, chief executive of Preston Acute Hospitals and Chorley NHS Trusts, said: "Investment in renal services is one of our main priorities.

"We're hopeful that the new, extended renal service will be up and running by spring 2000."

Dr Robert Coward, Royal Preston Hospital's consultant nephrologist, said: "There has been no expansion at the 'hub' at Preston, since it was opened in 1985, despite increasing pressures from satellite units in Kendal, Accrington and Blackpool.

"This investment will undoubtedly help ease these pressures."

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