Llinos Williams, Branwen Ainscough and Sarah Hirst Williams

Branwen, Sarah and Llinos have been instrumental in the innovative and collaborative work between Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Ynys Môn Local Authority. Sarah Hirst Williams is BCUHB Home Dialysis Manager, Branwen Ainscough is an occupational therapist and Llinos Williams is a Service Manager Community Housing for Ynys Môn. Their work in collaboration across health and social care has had a huge benefit to kidney dialysis patients living on Ynys Môn. They have worked together to produce an innovative ‘pathway to Home Dialysis’ for patients living in social housing. The work they are undertaking is ground-breaking and proactive, enabling patients living with kidney failure to be able to access a home dialysis service, which would have otherwise been impossible for them to attain. Patients requiring 'in-ward' dialysis are having to attend to Ysbyty Gwynedd for up to x 4 times per week and for sessions up to x 4 hours long.

Home dialysis offers patients a better quality of life, allowing them to remain at home and continue with work and their daily lives. Not only are they providing positive outcomes for patients they are also making significant savings to treatment costs. This model of prudent healthcare is the first of its kind in Wales and a good example of breaking down the barriers of inequality of healthcare and allow people to stay at home whilst living with a chronic health condition.