Whether there is a maximum journey travel time for patients from remote and rural locations who are required to travel significant distance…

The NHS Quality Improvement Scotland standards for renal services include as a desirable criterion “Within constraints of population density and geography, a unit is available within half an hour’s travelling time for patients.” This is intended to ensure that renal units are considering the possibility of satellite units where appropriate, to minimise travelling times. The NHS QIS report, Adult Renal Services: National Overview recognised that the impact of travelling is greatest in remote and rural areas, but noted that many units were developing plans for more satellite dialysis units.