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, and why is it happening now?
This procurement is about planning the future delivery of haemodialysis services in South East Wales. Existing contracts will end soon, so NHS Wales must re‑procure the service to make sure it continues to meet high standards of safety, quality and patient experience.
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (CVUHB) is commissioned to operate the services by Welsh Kidney Network (WKN). It covers 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?
We are starting early in (April 2026) so there is enough time to plan properly, engage with patients, staff and other stakeholders, and make well‑informed decisions. This helps 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.
We will continue to work with current suppliers to maintain high quality services into the transition period. You are able to share ideas, compliments or raise issues through your usual ways via Unit Managers and health board teams.
4. Will my dialysis unit close or move?
This project is at an early stage. Our aim is to continue providing high standards of safety, quality and patient experience, with unit haemodialysis services that are fit for the future.
This may include exploring options such as expansion or different locations. Any proposals would be carefully assessed and planned, and patient engagement would be 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 is to make sure dialysis services continue to meet high standards of quality and safety, and are fit for the future.
The procurement project is a required process. Decisions will be based on value and quality, including clinical standards, patient experience, accessibility, and long‑term resilience of the service.
7. Will the same staff still look after me?
Your unit medical cover will stay the same. If a new provider is appointed, staff will transfer to the new provider under TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment)). Any future staffing model must maintain safe, skilled care.
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 face to face and virtual sessions as the project develops, including in‑person engagement at dialysis units.
10. Can I influence the design of future services?
Yes. You can share your views, priorities and concerns. While we cannot always meet every individual preference, your feedback helps shape service requirements such as accessibility, the environment, communication and overall experience. You can share your thoughts using the email address provided, or via your unit consultant.
11. Will home dialysis or transplant options be affected?
This procurement aligns with All‑Wales priorities, which aim to expand opportunities for home dialysis and transplantation where appropriate. These remain important parts of kidney care across Wales.
12. What happens next?
After this early engagement, the formal procurement process will continue. We will share updates and run further information sessions as key milestones are reached. Patients will be kept informed throughout.
13. Who can I contact if I have more questions later?
Please use the email address if you are able or if not you can feed questions in via your Unit Consultant or members of unit staff. If you would prefer, our voluntary sector partner Kidney Wales is happy to collate questions and we can provide the responses in this way.
14. Will my transport to dialysis be affected?
No. Transport will continue to be provided by Welsh Ambulance Services Trust via the Renal Hub, and it will not be affected by this procurement. We remain committed to the Patient Charter and the 30:30:30 commitment.
15. Will patients still get sandwiches during dialysis?
Yes. The service requirements will reflect current arrangements, including the provision of sandwiches during dialysis treatment.
16. What is the timeline for this project?
The current unit haemodialysis contracts end in July 2027, so the procurement has to be completed and implemented before then.
Work started in 2025 and continues through 2026 to allow enough time for planning, engagement and approvals.
2025: early supplier engagement and initial planning.
2026: engagement with patients, staff and stakeholders; refining the service specification; and asking potential providers to develop options that meet patient needs.
2027: formal tendering, evaluation and decisions, with new contracts in place before July 2027.
Arrangements for implementing the new contracts will be planned in detail to make sure there is no interruption to dialysis treatment.
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 end in July 2027.
Planning must start well in advance so safe, high‑quality services can continue without disruption.
During the pre‑election period, NHS organisations can still:
carry out essential planning
continue engagement and preparatory work
prepare for future decisions
taking any major decisions
issuing any procurement documents publicly
making any service changes
This is why patient engagement is happening now: to explain the process, provide reassurance, and answer questions before any formal procurement steps move forward.
18. Will there be the opportunity for new equipment?
We will work with suppliers to ensure access to the latest required equipment with staff skilled in its use.
We know from speaking to patients so far that chair and bed comfort is important so we will make sure that patients are involved in testing and providing feedback any new equipment proposed during this process.
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau ffôn yn Gymraeg, Saesneg a Iaith Arwyddion Prydain (BSL) via SignVideo.
We welcome phone calls in Welsh, English and British Sign Language (BSL) via SignVideo.