Caribbean Kidney Center (CKC) announces that it is again providing hemodialysis services at the St. Thomas facility following the temporary cessation of services made necessary because of inadequate staff.
You may recall that three essential members of our staff had family and/or personal medical emergencies which left CKC without adequate clinical personnel. CKC’s medical director took the bold action to temporarily suspend services rather than expose our patients to unsafe conditions with significant potential risk — a decision which engendered scathing severe criticism from people who know or should have known better, the same people who would not have hesitated to lodge criticism if some unfortunate occurrence resulted from inadequate or inappropriate staffing.
While it was a difficult choice, it was ultimately a prudent one — allowing CKC to make essential improvements, strengthen its safety protocols, and add two very capable, experienced, Registered Nurses to the clinical staff to ensure that its facility continues to provide reliable, high-quality dialysis services for years to come. The two additional RN’s will supervise and lead its very capable team going forward.
This milestone marks the end of a challenging period and the beginning of a renewed commitment to serving our patients and our community with the highest standard of care and safety.
CKC wishes to thank the patients for their understanding, cooperation and trust as alternative arrangements were made to ensure they missed no treatment, Schneider Regional Medical Center (SRMC), its management and staff. The Virgin Islands Department of Health, its leadership and staff, all our community partners, Quality Insight Renal Network and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for their guidance, collaboration, cooperation and understanding in navigating these challenges together.
Be assured that every measure has been taken to prevent future disruption. CKC has implemented enhanced operational safeguards, staff training, and facility upgrades to maintain consistent, safe and excellent care for all who depend on its services.
CKC looks forward to welcoming you (the patients) back and continuing its mission to improve health and quality of life for every patient it serves, and to reciprocate with an invigorated spirit the appreciation, cooperation and collaboration with all its community partners.
With gratitude and renewed commitment.
— Walter H. Gardiner, MD., Medical Director
