73028-03A FORMER railwayman claims doctors are refusing him a new kidney because he suffers from depression.

David Wall, 40, of Gorse Hill, requires 90-minute dialysis sessions three times a week at Great Western Hospital.

He also needs a daily cocktail of pills, including six food binders, which help to do the job of the malfunctioning kidneys.

Mr Wall was diagnosed as a manic depressive more than 20 years ago.

Now he claims transplant specialists at Oxford's Churchill hospital are refusing to place him on the national kidney register, because of his illness.

But the health organisations treating him deny the accusation and say no decision has yet been made.

Mr Wall, who hasn't had a full-time job since the railway works closed in 1986, had a nervous breakdown in August last year, which resulted in him being sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

He was detained at Swindon's Sandalwood Court a mental health hospital for nearly two months.

He claims psychologists at Sandalwood Court advised him that he would not be eligible for a transplant because he could not be trusted to take the post-transplant medication.

Since then he says doctors in Oxford have repeatedly told him that the transplant is not an option.

The allegations are denied by both the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, which runs Sandalwood Court, and the Oxford hospital.

Mr Wall, who rents a housing association flat, said: "The pain is like having someone kicking you in the back all day every day."

In January 2003 he was rushed to the Great Western Hospital after collapsing.

He was then transferred to Oxford, where he spent a month connected to a dialysis machine.

Ever since he has been attending GWH and Oxford's Churchill hospital for further sessions.

Mr Wall said: "I want this matter sorted as quickly as possible so I can start leading a normal life.

"When I travel to Oxford I sometimes see other patients who have had a transplant and they say they feel brilliant.

"It's like watching someone else win the football pools. I want to be that person."

Dominic Moody, spokesman for Avon and Wilts Mental Health Partnership, said: "Any decision about Mr Wall's suitability for kidney transplant will be made by the Oxford Trust."

A spokeswoman for Oxford NHS Trust stressed no decision has been made.

She said: "This is a complex case and we cannot go into specific details.

"We take into account any health issues related to the case when making transplant decisions."

There should be no barrier

WENDY Armitage of The Swindon Kidney Patient Association, said a mental condition should not be a barrier to receiving a transplant, and cited examples of Down Syndrome sufferers who have been eligible.

"There are anxious times after a transplant, but it's one of the most fantastic gifts that you can be given," she said.

Anyone in need of support can call the group on 01793 527727.

Kevin Shoesmith