Da Vita, in Italian, means 'giving life'

Lynbrook Dialysis Center

147 Scranton Avenue

Lynbrook

(516)596-4101

Lynbrook Dialysis Center is one of ten centers on Long Island and in Queens owned by DaVita, a company that delivers dialysis services to patients with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. DaVita was founded in 1999 and has nearly 2,000 outpatient facilities nationwide.

The Lynbrook facility is overseen by Medical Director Paul Friedman, M.D, who is in charge of clinical operations. He and the other physicians affiliated with Lynbrook Dialysis Center - Drs. Steven Dresnin and Brian Erlich - are all Nephrologists, or kidney specialists.

The center houses 18 dialysis stations, which are supported by nurses and dialysis technicians. The machines provide hemodialysis treatments, which filter the blood of impurities and excess fluid. Each life sustaining treatment takes about four hours, and patients come for them three times a week. Three shifts are offered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; and two on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

A life on dialysis requires a big adjustment for anyone. The staff at Lynbrook Dialysis does everything they can to make the transition and process easier, offering a friendly, happy atmosphere. On premises are a Social Worker and a Registered Dietician. Since patients must follow a strict diet, expert guidance is not only necessary, but crucial. During treatments, each patient has his or her own flat screen TV, a comfortable recliner, and access to wireless internet. Patients get to know the staff members as well as one another, so there is a true community feeling. Fun events are planned, such as “funny hat day,” and dressing up for the holidays.

“The reasons kidneys fail are usually due to hypertension and/or diabetes,” said Nasat Awad, who is a Registered Nurse and Facility Administrator. “DaVita offers a community outreach program, which educates people on risk and how to avoid kidney problems, as well as how to remain healthier if they should need dialysis. The company exceeds the national average for clinical outcomes on how well patients do.”

Patients are generally referred to the center by their own physician or a hospital. The DaVita web site – www.davita.com – offers a wealth of information and resources. From kidney-friendly recipes to insurance information, travel support, prescription management, and a whole lot more, it’s a valuable tool.