The use of the artificial kidney is entirely safe, and when used as an adjunct to the dietary regime of patients with acute reversible renal failure it can be life-saving in some instances. The patients who fall into the moderate group usually require a dialysis 7–10 days after the onset of renal failure. Patients in the severe group will require a dialysis as early as the 4th or the 5th day. The use of the artificial kidney in the management of uraemic patients with obstructive urological lesions is of value. The technique should also be applied in general surgical practice in patients who have chronic renal disease. We would advocate immediate consultation with the Artificial Kidney Unit when a patient develops acute renal failure. This will not only ensure that the patient is transferred at the optimum, but also helps the Unit, for we have several times been asked to admit, on the same day, two patients with advanced uraemia both requiring urgent dialysis. This situation would have been avoided by earlier consultation. I close by thanking you for inviting me to address the Academy and wishing your own Artificial Kidney Unit every success in the future.