July 29, 2012

Ashes Removed

It has been a busy week at the Calvert Center.  Mr. Hammett, the building's owner, has wasted no time in getting things in order.  He has been on site everyday, supervising the whole affair.

By Friday morning, electricity had been restored in the office portion of the building and a dumpster arrived for removal of all of the debris. 

The fire restoration company got to work quickly and restored the offices to pre-fire conditions - the walls have been washed down, the heating ducts cleaned out and the ceiling tiles replaced.  All traces of smoke are gone.

I am pleased to report that I plan on seeing patients in my office, as scheduled on Tuesday, July 31.

It has been a remarkable coordination of effort.  We hope to see even more progress this week - maybe even a new roof.  Prayers for good weather would be appreciated...

July 25, 2012

Fire Extinguished

It has been a week since the fire at the Calvert Center.  While it was a shocking and disruptive event, we have gotten through it together.  Dialysis units are made up of people, not buildings -- A monumental effort has allowed us to be up and running, without missing a treatment.

We are grateful for the flexibility of all the patients and the staff and for the immediate support we have received from the Calvert Community - from Calvert Memorial Hospital, RCP, and other local businesses.

To recap the last week:
  • After all of the dialysis patients had left for the day, a devastating fire broke out at approximately 2 PM on Thursday, July 19.  All staff were able to evacuate without injury.  Within minutes, the fire trucks arrived and our local firefighters were able to contain the fire and preserve half of the building.
  • Through the diligent work of our staff in Prince Frederick and Baltimore, dialysis treatments started on schedule the following morning, at 6 AM, at Calvert Memorial Hospital (CMH).  Every patient due for dialysis on Friday received treatment, either at the hospital or at RCP.  Since that day, arrangements have been made to allow all patients to receive full treatments here in Prince Frederick without interruption.
  • Similarly, we have wasted no time in starting to rebuild the facility.  Within 24 hours, clean-up crews arrived, electricity was re-established and limited administrative functions were taking place on site.  Construction crews have been busy preparing to rebuild.

We are taking all steps to get treatments back to a new and improved Calvert Center as quickly as we can. Stay tuned  here for regular updates on our progress.

We appreciate your patience and support.