Davis Medical Center introduces inpatient dialysis program
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ELKINS -- Davis Medical Center has begun an innovative inpatient dialysis program for patients requiring specialized medical care.
The program allows patients who need renal care while they are hospitalized for chronic or acute disease to stay close to home and receive the best care available, utilizing the safest technology, officials said.
"Chronic kidney disease patients have unique needs," said Kedron L. Elliott, RN, CDN, who is DMC's dialysis clinical coordinator. "Our integrated care team includes specialty-trained nurses that identify and respond to these needs using a holistic approach to build the overall plan of care for each individual patient.
"Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) Nephrologists support us through clinical expertise and 24/7 availability," she said.
Elliott has worked extensively as a nurse and educator in the specialized field of cardio-renal care, and is devoted to delivering the highest level of patient care from hospitals to home.
DMC developed the program in response to a growing need for safe dialysis services in the acute care setting. The hospital collaborated with Outset Medical to introduce the state-of-the art Tablo Hemodialysis System, which combines new water purification technology, improved patient and user experience, and overall reduced cost.
"The Tablo dialysis combined with telemedicine is a game-changer," Elliott noted. "The portability and ease of use gives us the ability to deliver treatment anywhere within our facility, within minutes. We are very happy to offer these new services, and support our kidney community closer to home."
Margaret Leonard was the first patient to receive the new service at DMC, and said the best thing about her recent hospital stay was the respectful, kind care she received by the treatment team, and being able to stay in Elkins.
"I have several medical issues including cardiac and kidney disease," said Leonard. "They took great care of me, for everything I have going on. I have been transferred to Morgantown in the past. It's much better for me to stay in Elkins."