Commissioning new dialysis capacity places a significant burden on NHS Trusts and ICBs, especially at a time of constrained resources. This highly specialised process requires months of preparation, significant financial commitment, and the establishment of long-term partnerships—often with independent sector providers.

While NHS operational teams excel at day-to-day care, expertise in dialysis commissioning is scarce. Early, well-informed planning is essential to ensure proposals and decisions are financially optimised, strategically sound, and able to withstand scrutiny.

At Dialysis Commissioning Support (DCS) Partners, we offer a unique and highly specialised service not previously available to the NHS. As former senior executives of one of the UK’s leading independent dialysis providers, we have successfully partnered with 14 NHS Trusts, mobilising and operating over 30 haemodialysis units nationwide. We bring an unrivalled understanding of the planning, mobilisation, and operational challenges involved—offering insights from both the NHS and supplier perspectives. Our expertise ensures that NHS organisations can build strong, value-driven partnerships with providers.

Our approach goes beyond strategic advice - we provide hands on support, working directly with functional teams, embedding ourselves within the process to provide full support across operational, financial, purchasing and commercial workstreams. We ensure plans are realistic, financially viable, and deliverable.

Currently, we are working with a leading London NHS Trust on a multi-year commissioning programme that will transform the quality of life for hundreds of dialysis patients, while delivering long-term, cost-effective dialysis capacity for the region.  If you are planning additional capacity and would benefit from expert support, we would be delighted to hear from you.