These are all being stretched to the limit, and that can only go on for so long before something snaps

Paediatric consultant Graham Smith

Kidney transplants are also being transferred to Bristol Children's Hospital from this week.

Welsh Health Minister Jane Hutt has backed the decision.

She said the partnership with Bristol Children's Hospital was "the right thing to do" and she said she was satisfied that the trust which runs the hospital had made every effort to recruit.

The move to end inpatient treatment for children with kidney problems follows the publication of the Kennedy report into the Bristol Heart Inquiry which has resulted in more demands facing children's hospital services.

Inpatient treatment in the kidney unit in Cardiff accounts for just five per cent of its work.

Last year only one child received a kidney transplant at University Hospital of Wales, while six young patients are currently receiving inpatient dialysis.

It also reflects the growing pressure on paediatric services across Wales, according to Dr Graham Smith, paediatric kidney consultant at the hospital.

Paediatric services at the hospital are under pressure

"These are all being stretched to the limit, and that can only go on for so long before something snaps," said Dr Smith.

"We feel that we should be a priority but unfortunately the money that comes in soon goes on all the services that need it."

The paediatric kidney unit only has one of the three consultants it previously employed as services have been run down.

The subject of paediatric specialisms is currently being looked at in detail on behalf of the Welsh Assembly by the Specialist Health Commission.

The rundown in children's services comes as preparations continue to open a children's hospital in Cardiff.

The assembly has promised to provide match funding for the first �5m of the Noah's Ark appeal to build the children's hospital.