Dialysis Away from Base - FOI Response Register

I would like to request the following information on behalf of Kidney Care UK:

1. Does your health board place a restriction upon the number of dialysis away from base (DAFB) sessions it will cover the cost of within a calendar year and, if there are any restrictions in place, please list them?

We have not had any patient request to travel more than once in the calendar year, so we have not had to explore this.

2. Does your health board cover the full costs of undertaking dialysis away from base for patients attached to your board in the following:

All NHS haemodialysis units in i) England ii) Wales and iii) Scotland and iv)Northern Ireland?

We have had patients travel to England and Scotland only and these treatment sessions have been fully covered excluding travel expenses.

       If no: what proportion of the costs does the Health Board cover?

N/A

All private health care haemodialysis units in i) England ii) Wales and iii) Scotland and iv) Northern Ireland?

Dialysis treatment covered

       If no: what proportion of the costs does the Health Board cover?

N/A

3. Does your health board cover the full costs of undertaking dialysis away from base for patients attached to your board in the following:

All state- owned and operated haemodialysis units in European Union Countries (as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) offering dialysis facilities - where the patient holds a valid GHIC or EHIC card?

Have not had patient travel outside UK

If no: what proportion of the costs does the Health Board cover?

N/A

All privately-owned and operated haemodialysis units in European Union Countries (as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein)  offering dialysis facilities- where the patient holds a valid GHIC or EHIC card?

Have not had patient travel outside UK

If no: what proportion of the costs does the Health Board cover?

N/A

4. I would be grateful if you could send me a copy of your DAFB policy and any written information on dialysis away from base you give to kidney patients.

We do not have one