Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 8, 1995 TAG: 9511080088
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
However, the report also suggested that new equipment - some of it on the way - along with individual patient dialysis charts, continuing staff education and independent oversight could improve care at the Jarratt prison.
The report by a University of Virginia School of Medicine staff member, dated Oct. 17 and released Monday, found no ``deficits'' in patient care. The author told university and prison officials not to release his name.
Eight inmates in the 20-patient unit at Greensville died between December and August, including three over New Year's weekend.
Nevertheless, the medical school staffer wrote, ``I do not find the causes or circumstances of death of these dialysis patients out of the ordinary.''
A source who read the report said the large number of deaths during the period was a coincidence, not the result of negligence, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The inmates died from illnesses such as AIDS, diabetes, and heart and liver diseases. One repeatedly refused treatment.
``We couldn't be more pleased with this independent review,'' said Department of Corrections Director Ron Angelone. The report provides ``additional assurance that quality medical services are administered in our prisons.''
Laura Rinier, a Richmond paralegal and inmate advocate, questioned whether the study was adequate in scope and depth.
``I feel that too many of them are having to go on dialysis because of the lack of appropriate care that they receive in the years predating their need for dialysis,'' she said.
The Corrections Department ordered the study after the deaths were disclosed in the Times-Dispatch. A national expert said the unusually high mortality rate indicated a need for an independent review of the unit, though the toll was not necessarily indicative of a problem.
Greensville, the state's largest prison, is where many of the most seriously ill inmates are sent for care provided under state contract by a private firm, Correctional Medical Services Inc. of St. Louis.
Nancy Armistead, executive director of the Mid-Atlantic Renal Coalition, which monitors and reviews dialysis units receiving Medicare money, said the study appeared to be adequate.
``It looks like they have done a pretty thorough review. All the concerns I think that they should have addressed ... all of that seems to have been covered,'' Armistead said.
But she noted that the reviewer, among other things, suggested the dialysis unit enter into a relationship with the renal coalition so it can benefit from oversight and educational opportunities.
by CNB