BMC Renal Dialysis Unit Achieves 5-Diamond Status
PITTSFIELD, Mass. - The Berkshire Medical Center Renal Dialysis Unit has achieved the highest designation from the End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Network of New England. BMC has been awarded 5-Diamond status as part of the 5-Diamond Patient Safety Program, a collaborative effort between ESRD Network of New England and the Mid-Atlantic Renal Coalition that assists dialysis facilities with fostering improvement of both staff and patient awareness of specific patient safety areas.BMC's Renal Dialysis Unit was one of only four centers in Massachusetts and among only 13 in all of New England to achieve the 5-Diamond designation.
"The staff of the BMC Renal Dialysis Unit has made a continual commitment to providing the highest level of patient care and safety," said Diane Kelly, RN, Chief Operating Officer of BMC. "The entire hospital staff congratulates the Renal Dialysis Unit, its physicians and dedicated staff for this highest level of recognition in the 5-Diamond program."
The 5-Diamond Patient Safety Program involves the implementation of various patient safety concepts within each participating dialysis facility. Facilities are recognized with between 1 and 5 diamonds based on the number of patient safety concepts that are implemented. BMC implemented 5 concepts, including patient safety principles, hand hygiene, emergency preparedness, influenza vaccination, and fall prevention, and therefore achieved the 5-Diamond designation.
