August 7, 2009 — Four dialysis clinics operated by the University of Virginia Health System have attained "5-Diamond" status, a measure of patient safety success, after completing the 5-Diamond Patient Safety Program developed by the Mid-Atlantic Renal Coalition. The coalition is a nonprofit corporation that serves as the federal contractor for dialysis facilities in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.

U.Va. dialysis clinics in Altavista, Amherst, Fishersville and Stanley successfully completed the 5-Diamond program by attaining 100 percent staff participation and documenting how training was implemented and what results were achieved. UVa.'s other dialysis clinics –in Charlottesville, Zion Crossroads, Orange and Lynchburg – are now awaiting 5-Diamond designation.

The coalition's 5-Diamond training is interactive and includes modules about hand washing, needle and sharps safety, flu vaccinations and emergency and disaster preparedness.

"Patient safety is in front of us every day," said Debbie Cote, U.Va.'s renal manager. "The 5-Diamond program is perfectly aligned with our institutional goals as well as our mission to improve the delivery of care to those with chronic kidney disease."

"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," said administrative coordinator Cindy McMillan.