DaVita Lufkin dialysis unit to reopen 7/2/08

RenalWEB links to a Lufkin Daily News article by Jessica Savage announcing Davita clinic in Lufkin to reopen Wednesday. RenalWeb's Lufkin DaVita news summary is the easiest way to see how this story has progressed from April 29th through June 21st. Reading the forty four pages of comments appended to the Lufkin Daily News story - the comments stretch back to the first reports - it is clear that questions remain.

Comments

[Roberta Mikles RN, Director, Health Care Patient Advocates]

I find it quite interesting that CMS can provide survey information on their CMS nursing home facility compare website, but can not do the same for dialysis facilities on the dialysis facility compare website??? HELLO? I also find it interesting that recommendations were given to CMS, when the proposed language came out, that facilities should be required to post their surveys in view of those entering the building, as do nursing homes. Transparency is only to the extent that providers want it to be. The delivery of care in this facility has been, as we all know, greatly downplayed and minimized. I wonder what would have happened should Davita have made a statement that they were sorry mistakes were made and that patients had such complaints, ongoing, but that we will do our best to fix the problem? The lack of staff training is evident. I also found it interesting that the 2007 survey, sent to the newspaper as well as the 2003 (two) surveys only had minimal blackened out areas (for federal Conditions) but for state regs all was blackened out === for deficiency sections. Certainly I respect HIPPA and identifying factors, etc. however, surveys are supported by taxpayer dollars, therefore, transparency should not be a problem in my opinion. And, yes, Davita is totally focused on this one nurse and forgetting all else. It is somewhat disappointing that the dialysis industry can not pattern themselves after some of the hospitals who are developing policies and procedures to fully disclose those event related to errors. In fact, the AMA supports such. Maybe if there were more truthfulness when errors occur patients would be more forgiving. I find a great lack of respect for patients when such as this happens. I wonder if Davita has given copies and informed all patients (returning)of the deficiencies cited per the corrective action. All the more reason for patients to be fully educated. An educated patient can work and support staff in prevention of errors. RMikles RN