Our unit is always littered with soiled bandages. needle casings etc. In addition it is not well cleaned. Neither the doctors, administrator or charge nurse seem to think this matters. I get really sick sitting in my chair viewing all this. Is this the way most unit are? Who can I report this to?

JH, sorry to hear of such unsanitary conditions where you dialyze. Why don't you get in touch with: www.dialysisethics.org .I'm sure they would be interested in your problem and may offer some solutions. If there are other patients experiencing filthy patient treatment areas could you also respond to the dialysis ethics web-site. Together we can make things happen!!

Thank you Tech Force. I'm glad to hear there's an advcocacy group for diaysis patients.

Your welcome JH. What me as caregivers have to realize is that we too could be on dialysis tomarrow. I for one wouldn't want a filthy unit.We are our brothers keeper.

JH:

You did not mention what state you dialyze in, but another resource would be your states ESRD Network. Also HCFA (Medicare) is another resource. I am a dialysis nurse and would like to give you my apologies for the conditions you are having to dialyze under.


[This message has been edited by Michael Williams (edited 08-05-2000).]

Thank you, Marion. Someone always apologizes for the ones who should. It would be a nice dialysis world if everyone was as considerate as you. And thanks again Tech Force. I went over to dialysisethics.org and they are absolutey great! I'm learning so much there and have had so many questions answered. I believe they will establish fair standards in dialysis.

You're welcome JH. I'm glad that you contacted the group at Dialysis Ethics.Hopefully, more patients will make contact with Dialysis Ethics and together make positive changes for patients and their treatments that are so needed. JH, pass on the info to your fellow patients and once again here is their website: www.dialysisethics.org .

"Dialysis Ethics" is an unmoderated web site that permits anonymous authors to post information as facts.

As with all information on the web, consider the sources and the completeness of data carefully before acting.

Caveat, I would like to respond to your comment about dialysisethics.org. I often hear people say that one has to beware of what one reads on the internet. Well, the same can be said of individuals we meet in person. Through experience, one comes to know whom he can trust. The fact that dialysis ethics is unmoderated does not mean that it is any less factual than a moderated group. No one there claims to have the corner on truth. There is more documentation of fact there than any kidney group I've found. In every group I've visited there are those who make factual statements and those who are only giving out opinions.This group isn't just any opinion board. They have achieved amazing accomplishments in behalf of kidney patients and healthcare workers, alike. Any kidney person can go there and get excellant info., and assistance - something few other groups deliver. This is a group that exemplifies it's name -"Ethics".

Hi JH:

I agree that it's a case of reader beware. But on this board, for example, any submissions with criticisms of individuals or institutions must identify the writer.

Some are more "ethical" than others.

Best,
Mike

The unit I dialysis at also has needle casing all over the floor. I wear leg braces and have slipped on these casing at times. Over the last week we have had visable mice running around the unit during treatment.

Dirty adequately describes my unit. The patient restroom is cleaned but once a day, in the middle of the night and by afternoon the next day can be quite disgusting. Med waste is kept in trash cans about one foot from each chair. That too is emptied but once a day. My unit also seems to have acquired the habit of hiring chain smokers as techs and nurses. These are people who smoke so heavily that just having them around gives me a sore throat and makes my clothes smell like tobacco. Taking a shower immediately following dialysis to keep the bed from stinking is not my idea of fun. Who sets standards in this country for overall cleanliness of dialysis units and staff?