Augusta Dialysis One of Four UVA Clinics to Achieve 5-Diamond Status

UVA dialysis clinics have their own measure of success when it comes to patient safety.

The Mid-Atlantic Renal Coalition (MARC), a nonprofit corporation that serves as the federal contractor for dialysis facilities in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, implemented the 5-Diamond Patient Safety Program as part of its mission to improve the delivery of care to those with chronic kidney disease.

Participation in the program is not mandatory. But for Debbie Cote, Renal Manager for half of UVA’s renal clinics, achieving 5-Diamond status is an accomplishment worth striving for.

“Patient safety is in front of us every day,” says Cote.

The 5-Diamond training program measured the clinics on hand washing, needle and sharps safety, flu vaccinations and emergency and disaster preparedness.

UVA dialysis clinics in Altavista, Amherst and Stanley also successfully completed the 5-Diamond program by attaining 100 percent staff participation and documenting how training was implemented and what results were achieved.

"Attaining 5-Diamond status is an important way to let our patients know that we are committed to providing quality care and serving their best interest," adds Cindy McMillan, RN Administrative Coordinator.