What is the required temperature at a Dialysis Center or Facility?

[purifire7777]

I am a Mom looking for answers. My daughter is on dialysis and our friend just passed away.

I have been moved instead of just listening to find answers. Vic and my daughter complained about the facility feeling like a freezer and other patients as well. In the summer and winter. Now, almost every year the air conditioner does not work and everyone is hot.

Our friend kept getting pneumonia and being in a freezer taking dialysis I believe contributed.

Can anyone answer this question? What is the degree a Center/Facility should be?

Does anyone know? Where do I go for answers?

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

I would ask someone at the Facility as I am sure they might vary from place to place. I am sure there are requirements for the equipment. But with kidney disease, anemia is common and one of the symptoms is feeling a deep sensation of being cold. I wear a fleece vest and if I want can have a blanket when doing dialysis.

[Mich1949 in reply to Bassetmommer]

Yes,same here.The thing to remember too is that the nursing staff are not having dialysis, and are rushing around, so for them, the centre's temperature probably already feels too hot.

I wear a puffy insulated gilet, and I use a blanket as well. Sometimes, I still feel too cold.

[horsie63 in reply to Mich1949]

I use 3 blankets and our chairs have heaters but I still freeze. I found that asking for them to raise the temp on the machine helps alot. Normally it's set to 35.5 but when it's at 37 I am comfortable. Look into that.

[Mich1949 in reply to horsie63]

I have. The trouble is that I suffer from very low blood pressure during dialysis, apparently, raising the temperature of the machine would lower the blood pressure even more.

[horsie63 in reply to Mich1949]

That's what they told me Sat as my BP was running low.

[purifire7777 in reply to Mich1949]

Thank you!

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

I was always cold when I was at dialysis. I think it has to do with all of the machines, being anemic and the dialysis itself - trying to get fluid off. It sure wouldn't hurt to call the center and ask them what temperature they keep it. For me, after my first time I always brought a blanket along.

[purifire7777 in reply to WYOAnne]

Thank you, I took your advice and called. I also found that they can be up to 71 degrees not to get too cold since after dialysis the body is already cold.

[bestmom247]

The Average Temp is between 72 and 75 degrees. This tempo is to keep the technicians cool. They are usually running from one machine to the next. I have a heating pad that I bring with me in addition to my bulky knit sweater and also a blanket. Some days I am colder than others, but I can usually warm up with the hearting pad on my colder days.

[purifire7777 in reply to bestmom247]

I never thought of a heating pad. What about a heated blanket? I will check with the Clinic. Thank you. I did get them to put the temperature to 71. It was like a freezer.

[Darlenia]

Oh my! That dialysis center seems to be run down - you wrote that its air conditioners don't work in the summer so it's overly hot then and now it's so cold in the fall that it's easy for people to catch pneumonia. Not good. Sure, those big rooms tend to feel cold and most dialysis patients tend to feel cold too, but that's no excuse if a center isn't being kept up. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires that dialysis facilities maintain a temperature that's comfortable to the majority of patients. Although a specific temperature isn't required by CMS, the community standard generally ranges anywhere between 72 and 75F. So look around the building, maybe you can find the temperature status on a thermostat or thermometer somewhere. Some bring in their own thermometer. If it's an issue, a clinic usually quickly fixes the issue or it risks losing their affiliation. The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) suggests starting the process to solve a problem with the Center's personnel internally and, if nothing changes, then escalating it to the ESRD network. The NFK outlines the steps here: kidney.org/atoz/content/dia.... That usually gets quick results. I believe the dialysis center are required to publicly post the phone number for reporting complaints too. So you should see a sign in the center with that info; my hubby's center had the sign in the reception area. But it's always best to start with the center's staff - those dialysis centers can get a bit huffy puffy. It's good you're initiating it and not your daughter in that regard. This is another thread on Health Unlocked from a few years ago where a member confronted the same problem. healthunlocked.com/nkf-dial...

[purifire7777 in reply to Darlenia]

Oh my goodness! After one of the patients died. I called and told the Center that if it were not for them having the facility freezing I believe he would still be alive. He kept getting pneumonia. He would get out of the hospital better. Complain about freezing in the Center, back in the hospital get better back to the freezer, then back in the hospital over and over again until he died. They took the temperature up to 71 degrees that day. Now that I am aware that the temperature can be even higher, I will check with the other patients who are in the same bay and see if it is better or back to the same. Even the nurses were cold.

Thank you so very much. Yes, I am sorry my daughter was so vocal trying to make changes while I just listened. I wish I had been brave. I regret it now. I will be active now in helping all the patients. I will get on top of the air conditioning being broken as well. They put a new air conditioner in one area, but not in the area where the patients sit. Strange! Is something else going on in that Center?

I'm on it.

Bless you, all the information is so vital. I was not aware anyone responded until now.

Happy Holidays to you and your family.

[OldTownhammock in reply to purifire7777]

Don't be sorry! She was advocating for you!

[Darlenia in reply to purifire7777]

Bless you for advocating for those you are helpless and ignored. It only takes one person to change things for the better. It's beyond sad when people simply stand by and do nothing. Much respect to you for being the eyes, ears, and voice for the marginalized. There's a special place in heaven for those who love and care about others, I'm sure of it. Thank you!!!!!

[purifire7777 in reply to Darlenia]

Thank you!

Bless you!

Happy Holidays!

[OldTownhammock]

I am not on dialysis, but every medical facility I go to feels cold to me. I asked a couple I'd times and was told it slows the spread of infectious diseases

[purifire7777 in reply to OldTownhammock]

Thank you!

[purifire7777 in reply to OldTownhammock]

Are you able to see the posts made by Darlenia? Great information. The temperature can be between 72 to 75. Most patients have to agree. Please read her posts she has great resources as well.