Strategic Preparations for Dialysis Care Amid Caribbean Kidney Center’s Impending Closure

In a proactive response to the expected closure of the Caribbean Kidney Center (CKC), the VI Government Hospital and Health Facilities Corporation Territorial Board recently approved several crucial measures to enhance the Schneider Regional Medical Center (SRMC)’s capacity to manage an expected surge in dialysis patients.

Board Chair Christopher Finch emphasized the urgent need for upgraded equipment, stating that the existing apparatus at CKC would soon be inadequate. The board’s focus, he remarked, was on ensuring the availability of state-of-the-art equipment for patient care.

The board’s initial action involved approving the procurement of a state-of-the-art reverse osmosis system from Renal Dynamics LLC. This system, which purifies and disinfects water for dialysis, represents an investment of $291,231, encompassing installation and freight charges to Miami. Department of Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion lauded this system as the gold standard for dialysis care, highlighting its critical role in ensuring patient safety.

Additionally, the board greenlit the purchase of 15 hemodialysis machines, also from Renal Dynamics LLC, at a total cost of $290,025, inclusive of freight to Miami. SRMC’s CEO, Tina Commissiong, explained that these machines are identical to those currently used at SRMC, ensuring consistency in care and supply chain efficiency. These machines will cater to the approximately 50-55 CKC patients transitioning to SRMC.

To complement the dialysis machines, the board also sanctioned the acquisition of 15 hemodialysis chairs from Champion Manufacturing Inc., with a budget cap of $34,065, inclusive of shipping to Miami.

Addressing staffing needs, the board approved hiring additional dialysis technicians and registered nurses. A 6-month professional service agreement with ProLink Healthcare LLC was authorized, capping at $1.5 million, to facilitate a safe and efficient transition for CKC’s patients. Commissiong highlighted the necessity of temporary, experienced contract labor to manage this transition smoothly.

The funding for these expansions is anticipated to be sourced from a reprogramming of American Rescue Plan Act funds, pending approval from the Office of Management and Budget. While alternative funding sources may be considered later, Finch noted the re-allocation of ARPA funds as the most expedient solution for SRMC’s immediate financial needs.

Earlier, senators had allocated $700,000 from the territory’s general fund to CKC, intended to forestall its closure by hiring essential staff. Despite initial hesitations about using taxpayer money for a private entity, the senators prioritized uninterrupted access to vital dialysis services for Virgin Islanders. This funding, however, was rapidly utilized for services provided by Pafford Medical Services, expected to be depleted by September 30.

As of July, discussions regarding the acquisition of CKC by hospitals had hit a standstill, primarily due to delays in government appraisals. The current status of these negotiations remains uncertain.