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Dialysis providers work through South Carolina floods
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Major flooding in South Carolina put dialysis providers on edge this past week to keep facilities open with minimal disruption.
According to Dialysis Facility Compare, most of the clinics in the state are operated by Fresenius Medical Care, DaVita Kidney Care, and Dialysis Clinic Inc. Nicole Rectanus, Project Coordinator for the Southeastern Kidney Council Inc. (ESRD Network 6), which covers South Carolina, said in an Oct. 6 email to NN&I that the providers have been able to minimize the impact of the flooding. “We have been working with the leadership teams for facilities in South Carolina. Presently, there is only one facility reporting a closure,” she wrote.
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division reports more than 250 roads and at least 100 bridges remain closed across the state as a result of the sever flooding, and the death toll currently stands at 17 in the state.
A spokesperson for DaVita’s emergency services told NN&I, “We planned and proactively communicated clinic opening times, schedule adjustments, emergency diet management and supply instructions to patients. Clinics also checked in with patients on their home safety, flooding issues and health concerns. Our water supply vendors are ready with tanker support should the need arise.”
One DCI clinic, located in Saluda, did close due to the flooding. “Every other facility is up and running on time,” said DCI spokesperson Jessica Emler.
Rushmie Nofsinger, Senior Director of Public Relations & Communications for Fresenius Medical Services, said some of clinics have offered extended hours to ensure accessibility to care. “Of the 14 Fresenius Medical Care dialysis clinics in the Columbia area, only one of them is currently being impacted by water supply issues. That clinic is maintaining operations with a high-quality potable water tanker, a standard practice under our emergency preparedness protocol for this situation. We have measures in place that will allow us to continue dialyzing patients until water is restored to that area,” she said.
Up to date information on facility closures can be found at www.dialysisunits.com. -by Mark Neumann