Life Care Dialysis Center
If you have been treated at the Life Care Dialysis Center in New York City, you may be at risk for contracting hepatitis and HIV. The New York State Department of Health recently examined the center and found gross violations of treatment protocol that has already lead to one case of hepatitis C.
The New York State Department of Health conducted an extensive investigation of the Life Care Dialysis Center, located at 221 West 61st Street, New York City, after receiving reports about the possible transmission of hepatitis C at this facility. During the investigation, State Health Department staff identified numerous breaches in appropriate infection control practices, including blood on the treatment chairs and dialysis machines, lack of proper hand hygiene, and inadequate disinfection of equipment. In addition, the investigation found strong evidence that at least one patient contracted hepatitis C after receiving dialysis at the facility.
In response to the above findings, the State Health Department has concluded that patients who received any type of dialysis treatment, even a single treatment, through Life Care Dialysis Center after January 23, 2004, may be at risk for hepatitis C virus and other bloodborne pathogens, including hepatitis B virus and HIV. This risk may also extend to any patient receiving training at Life Care Dialysis Center to perform at-home peritoneal or hemodialysis.
If you are seeking more information, please call the Department of Health at 1-800-278-2965.