PEOPLE with severe kidney problems could be treated in Worcestershire in future instead of having to travel to Birmingham and beyond.

Health chiefs are exploring the possibility of setting up the county's first acute renal unit and are considering sites including the Worcestershire Royal Hospital and the Alexandra in Redditch.

The acute renal unit would require three more consultant nephrologists, up to 20 additional beds, provision of dialysis facilities and additional radiology and pathology requirements.