Equity of access to dialysis facilities in Wales

BACKGROUND: Demand for dialysis, particularly, in-centre haemodialysis (HD), is growing, and more units will be needed. Travel time to treatment is consistently a major area of concern for patients. AIM: To analyse access to current dialysis facilities in Wales, and use the data to help plan for new dialysis units. METHODS: We analysed a combination of UK Renal Registry, Welsh population census data, the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2005 (WIMD), travel time and geographical information systems. RESULTS: Prevalence of HD fell significantly with increasing travel time from units. This was not influenced by the WIMD. Prior to the opening of a new HD unit in Aberystwyth, prevalence in the surrounding area was significantly lower than for Wales as whole, but within 2 years, prevalence had risen to approximate national levels. In Haverfordwest, an area >30 min drive from any current facility, prevalence is consistently and significantly lower than for Wales as a whole, and has not shown the growth seen elsewhere in the country. DISCUSSION: The ability to combine data has enabled modelling of the likely immediate impact of opening a new unit in Haverfordwest, and also provided an estimate of its required capacity. This multidisciplinary approach to demand analysis should help to highlight areas of under-provision, and facilitate the planning of the sites and sizes of new dialysis units in Wales.