South Nassau Reopens Sandy-Damaged Dialysis Center

Within hours after Hurricane Sandy swept over Long Island on Oct. 29, leaving a massive trail of destruction in its wake, South Nassau Communities Hospital took immediate and decisive action to begin the process of re-opening the doors of its Outpatient Dialysis Center (OPD).

Patients rely on the center to serve as their “home away from home” as they receive dialysis treatments that are critical to their overall daily health and wellness.

The 10,000 square foot free-standing center incurred significant damage from Sandy’s storm surge, with much of its interior and medical equipment destroyed.

Renovation of the center commenced promptly and was ongoing 10 hours a day, seven days a week until it was completed. While plans for the renovation were under discussion, the dialysis center’s staff was working with alacrity to place the patients in area dialysis facilities to receive their treatments without going off schedule.

Within 36 hours after Hurricane Sandy, all 136 of the center’s patients were receiving the dialysis services they needed at dialysis facilities in the immediate area, including North Shore-Long Island Jewish, Freeport Dialysis Center, Lynbrook Dialysis and South Shore Dialysis in Bellmore and Hemsptead.

On April 26, the arduous, determined journey home concluded as the center’s staff and 112 of its patients joined by hospital administrators and board members as well as government, civic and business leaders gathered to celebrate the grand re-opening of South Nassau’s Outpatient Dialysis Center.

Combining cutting-edge medical technology and expert dialysis care with home-like amenities, the center has been refinished to match its pre-Hurricane Sandy floor plan.

“This celebration and the renovated center is testimony that we can and will overcome any challenge to our commitment to provide a healthcare delivery system that offers superior, accessible and convenient services,” said Richard J. Murphy, president and CEO of South Nassau. “In the tradition of our mission to meet the communities’ needs for standard-setting healthcare services, we celebrate the grand re-opening of our Outpatient Dialysis Center with one person in mind – the patient.”

First opened in June 2000, the center features 18 patient suites equipped with dialysis technology that is capable of performing a variety of procedures. The suites also include satellite-linked HDTVs, high-speed Internet service, personal telephones, and individual lighting and heating control.

Additional features of the center include conference and snack rooms, a fully-equipped examination room, a spacious reception area and a warm decor.  DVD players are also available on request.