Kidney Association warns of cutbacks disaster

The Irish Kidney Association has said it fears up to 50 people will die within three weeks if planned cutbacks at Beaumont hospital in Dublin go ahead.

An internal memo at the hospital is reported to have suggested ending the night shift for dialysis treatment for kidney patients.

The Kidney Association says management clearly do not understand the night shift only exists because there is no capacity in the hospital for the life-saving treatment, other than using the facilities round-the-clock.

Over 160 people depend on the facilities at Beaumont.