The end of June marked the one-year anniversary of the Dialysis Den opening at Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in partnership with DaVita Kidney Care.

In a year’s time, the Den has completed 1,485 treatment sessions, said June Barbrey, Vice President of Admissions and Front-End Revenue Integrity. Based on census, DaVita has added team members to cover more shifts over more days.

The Coliseum team is responsible for getting residents ready and taking them to and from the treatment center. The DaVita team manages the treatment process in the Den. There are six chairs for residents to receive treatments in three days a week over three shifts. It can accommodate 18 to 24 residents a week.

Den opens

The Den treated its first patient June 28, 2023. Three residents received treatment in the first two weeks.

“You see the outcomes and how much better it is for the residents,” says Coliseum Administrator Dudley Haas. “We have had to think outside of the box in operations flow, but everyone works as a team.”

Having an on-site Dialysis Den is beneficial to residents who no longer have to worry about transportation off-site in addition to receiving hours-long treatments. Residents receiving rehabilitation are able to participate in their sessions and Coliseum’s activities without having to leave the facility for dialysis treatment, giving them a fuller experience. The shortened transportation time also allows team members time to prepare residents for treatment in a more efficient time frame.

“We’re serving a population, too, that might have transportation issues — a family member who might not be available to take them, or they might not have any family in the area,” June said.

The Den opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house following a soft launch the end of June 2023. Its opening was covered by the Daily Press and Virginian-Pilot in October 2023.

Coliseum offers its residents an array of activities and services. Visit the community’s Facebook page for the latest updates and news.