Dialysis facility breaks ground in Othello

Named after former patient

OTHELLO - A new $1.5 million kidney dialysis center broke ground Monday in Othello.

Named after an Othello resident who dreamed of a dialysis center in Othello, Fresenius Medical Care Leah Layne Dialysis is going to be located at 530 S. 1st Ave.

Guests at a groundbreaking ceremony included Sen. Mark Shoesler, R-9th district and Rep. Joe Schmick, R-9th district. Othello Community Hospital board member Bill Briggs also attended the event.

"Currently, Othello residents in need of dialysis have to make the trip to Moses Lake several times a week, down a particularly slow-moving stretch of highway 17," stated Clinical Manager Marylou Krautscheid. "Not only will the Othello facility save its patients the time and stress of driving several hours each week, it will save them a substantial amount of gasoline as well. This represents a significant improvement to our patients' quality of life."

Area Manager Ann Sullivan said 20 patients plan to immediately use the facility in Othello when it opens in June or July 2009.

"The day we open, we'll be full," Sullivan said.

The new building will be approximately 5,500 square feet in size, she said.

Other facilities are located in Hermiston, Ore., Kennewick, Wash., La Grande, Wash., Omak, Wash., Walla Walla, Wash., and Moses Lake.

Leah Layne, who died in 1999, was a former chief financial officer for Columbia Basin Health Association and was a dialysis patient, according to the center. Layne traveled three times each week to a Fresenius Medical Care center in Moses Lake.

Dialysis occurred late in the evening to accommodate Layne's daytime commitments. With the late dialysis, Layne would typically return home after midnight, according to the center.

The Leah Layne Foundation worked in Layne's honor to open a dialysis facility in Othello.

"I think forcing people with a difficult medical situation and often a difficult financial situation to unnecessarily leave their hometown is a great disservice to them," Shoesler said.

He said Fresenius Medical Care is a willing provider and Othello is a willing community.

Driving time impacts quality of life for people with health concerns, he said.

Briggs said he met many people in the community who are dialysis patients.

"I'm inspired by their courage and their determination," he said.

He noted in addition to Layne, Royal City resident Pat Schrom advocated for a dialysis center. Schrom since died.

Briggs said Schrom worked tirelessly for the center.

"(She) never gave up hope," he said.

Fresenius Medical Care Regional Vice President Jean Stevens said a session of dialysis takes 3.5 to 4 hours. When travel time is factored in, a session can take 4.5 to 5 hours.

"Of course the commute is really the concern," Stevens said.

Fresenius Medical Care noted the Othello area is seeing a growing number of dialysis patients and the center recognizes the need to serve patients closer to home.

"We are thrilled to be opening this advanced new treatment facility, which will enable us to serve the Othello area's growing dialysis patient population," Krautscheid stated. "Fresenius Medical Care Leah Layne Dialysis will provide the highest level of quality care through innovative treatment methods, advanced dialysis technology and superior customer service."

The company is providing dialysis at the center and in homes. A kidney transplant support program bone disease management, anemia management, nutrition counseling and social worker support are also offered.

"It's a good day in Othello," said Schmick, who congratulated the community.

For more information, call 509-783-9993.