Contracts with current providers for unit haemodialysis are due to end in July 2027, and under national procurement legislation these services must be advertised and re‑tendered.
We understand that patients and relatives may have questions. A series of patient information sessions will be held to explain the procurement process and answer any general queries.
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the process.
If you have any questions, contact us by e-mailing SEW.HDprocurement.Cav@wales.nhs.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is this procurement about & why do Cardiff & Vale need to do this now?
This procurement is about planning for the future delivery of haemodialysis services in South East Wales. Existing contracts will come to an end in the near future, and NHS Wales is required to formally re-procure services to make sure they continue to meet high standards of safety, quality and patient experience.
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (CVUHB), commissioned by the Welsh Kidney Network (WKN), procures Unit Haemodialysis services for patients across Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, and Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.
2. Why is this happening now?
This work is starting early to ensure there is enough time to plan properly, engage with stakeholders and make well informed decisions. The timeline will support a smooth transition when new contracts are in place.
3. Will my dialysis treatment be affected?
No. There will be no interruption to your dialysis treatment. Your dialysis schedule, care, and clinical team remain unchanged. Continuity of safe care is a core requirement of the procurement process.
4. Will my dialysis unit close or move?
The project is at a very early stage, the aims of this project are that we continue to provide high standards of safety, quality and patient experience with unit haemodialysis services fit for the future. This may include exploring options for expansion or even different locations, any future proposals would be carefully assessed and planned with patient engagement forming an important part of that process.
5. Will my dialysis days or times change?
No changes are planned at this stage. Any future changes—if proposed—would be communicated clearly, discussed with patients, and planned to minimise disruption.
6. Is this about saving money?
The main focus of the procurement project is that services continue to meet high quality, safety, standards as well as being fit for purpose for the future. The procurement project is a required process, decisions will be based on value and quality through testing clinical standards, patient experience, accessibility, and long term service resilience.
7. Will the same staff still look after me?
Your unit medical cover will stay the same. Existing unit staff may be subject to TUPE Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) process when any new contract is implemented. The ask will be for staffing models to maintaining safe, skilled care is a key expectation of any future service model.
8. Who is running the procurement?
The procurement is being run by NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP), working closely with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and the Welsh Kidney Network, to ensure services meet national and regional standards.
9. Will patients be involved in decisions?
Yes. Patient engagement is an important part of this work. This session is an early opportunity to share information, and there will be further sessions, including in-person engagement at dialysis units, as the project develops.
10. Can I influence the design of future services?
You can share your views, priorities and concerns. While individual preferences cannot always be guaranteed, patient feedback helps inform service requirements such as accessibility, environment, communication, and overall experience. Please share any thoughts with us via our email address or your unit consultant.
11. Will home dialysis or transplant options be affected?
The procurement aligns with All-Wales priorities, which seeks to support expansion of opportunities for home dialysis and transplantation where appropriate. These are important parts of kidney care across Wales.
12. What happens next?
Following early engagement, the formal procurement process will continue. There will be further updates and information sessions as key milestones are reached, and patients will be kept informed throughout.
13. Who can I contact if I have more questions later?
You will be given contact details or signposting information during the session so you know how to raise questions or share feedback as the project progresses. [Engagement...March 2026 | PowerPoint]
14. Will my transport to dialysis be affected?
Transport will continue to be provided by Welsh Ambulance Services Trust via the Renal Hub and will be unaffected by this procurement project. Transport colleagues are a key stakeholder in this project. We are committed to the Patient Charter and 30:30:30 commitment.
15. Will patients still get sandwiches whilst receiving dialysis treatment?
The requirements for the procurement project will reflect current services and therefore include the provision of sandwiches whilst having dialysis treatment.
16. What is the timeline for this project?
The timelines for this procurement project are lead primarily by the current contracts for haemodialysis units which end in July 2027.
Work started last year and will continue this year to ensure there enough time for planning, engagement and approvals.
Initial work began in 2025 with early supplier engagement and planning.
During 2026, the NHS is:
· engaging with patients, staff, and stakeholders,
· refining the service specification,
· and asking potential providers to develop options that meet patient needs
Formal tendering, evaluation, and decision‑making will follow, with arrangements for the implementation of the new contracts in place before existing contracts end in 2027.
There will be no interruption to dialysis treatment as part of this process.
17. Why is this happening when the election is on?
This work is not related to the election.
NHS Wales is legally required to re‑procure dialysis services because existing contracts are coming to an end in July 2027.
Planning must start well in advance to ensure safe, high‑quality services continue without disruption.
While there is a pre‑election period, NHS organisations are still allowed to:
· carry out essential planning,
· and prepare for future decisions
During the pre‑election period:
· No major decisions are being taken
· No procurement documents are being publicly issued
· No service changes are being made
This is why patient engagement is happening now — to explain the process, provide reassurance, and answer questions before any formal procurement steps move forward.
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