OCH closing Medina dialysis and merging it with Batavia site

‘This is a big step to make sure the service remains sustainable’

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Orleans Community Health has announced Lake Plains Dialysis on West Center Street Extension will be closing by March 31 and will merge with its Batavia location.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced plans to consolidate its dialysis services by merging its Lake Plains Dialysis in Medina with Lake Plains Dialysis-Batavia, effective March 31.

This strategic move will bring all dialysis services under one roof in Batavia, enhancing sustainability, efficiency and long-term access to high-quality, life-sustaining care for patients across the region, the hospital said in a press release from Scott Robinson, director of marketing.

The move comes after a comprehensive evaluation of resources, facility needs and financial sustainability, the hospital said. The consolidation allows Orleans Community Health to focus investments and clinical expertise in a single, modernized setting, while ensuring uninterrupted dialysis care for patients.

“Our priority throughout this process is continuity of care,” said Marc Shurtz, chief executive officer at Orleans Community Health. “By combining services in Batavia, we can strengthen our dialysis program, maintain high standards of care and ensure patients continue to receive the treatment they depend on without interruption.”

All patients currently receiving dialysis care at the Medina location will be welcomed at Lake Plains Dialysis in Batavia, located at 587 East Main St. Additionally, and importantly, all team members currently working at Lake Plains Dialysis-Medina are being offered positions as part of this transition, reinforcing Orleans Community Health’s commitment to both its patients and its workforce.

To provide transparency and answer questions from patients, families, staff and community members, Orleans Community Health will host a public meeting at Medina Memorial Hospital from 3 to 4 p.m. Jan. 28. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the service consolidation, transition process and ongoing support available.

“We value the relationships built with our patients and remain committed to supporting each individual through this transition,” said Joanna Miller, vice president of renal services at Orleans Community Health. “This consolidation positions our dialysis services for long-term stability, while keeping patient care at the center of every decision.”

“This is a big step to make sure the service remains sustainable,” Robinson said. “For the team at Medina, they’re invaluable. We’re hoping they all transfer to the new location. We’re also supplying additional information to patients, in hopes they can also continue care with us in Batavia.”

Additionally, Robinson added that healthcare continues to change nationwide, and dialysis care requires specialized staffing, equipment and infrastructure. By bringing services together in Batavia, Robinson said it strengthens clinical support and staffing coverage, improves operational efficiency, ensures long-term sustainability of dialysis services and continues delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.

The hospital stresses patients will still receive safe, high-quality dialysis care from the dedicated team, with the added benefit of consolidated resources and support services.

They also insist the Batavia dialysis location has adequate space, equipment and staffing capacity to safely accommodate current and transitioning patients.

Care teams will work closely with patients to minimize disruption in their dialysis schedule. While some scheduling adjustments may be needed, every effort will be made to maintain consistency and convenience.

Transportation options will be available for nursing home patients. The Medina team will continue coordinating transportation needs with partner agencies to ensure access to care.

Robinson stresses that Medina patients will be supported throughout the transition. Their dialysis and care coordination teams will provide clear communication about timing and next steps, assistance with scheduling and ongoing clinical support during the transition.

He added that offering positions to the entire Medina dialysis team is a top priority.

“Our focus is on continuity of care,” Robinson said. “Dialysis team members remain an essential part of delivering services, and staffing plans are designed to support both team members and patient needs.”

Patients and families with questions or concerns are urged to speak directly with their dialysis care team or contact Orleans Community Health for additional support and information.