Lower Keys Medical Center Announces Inpatient Dialysis

4/17/2026

Lower Keys Medical Center now offers inpatient hemodialysis onsite, furthering its commitment to deliver compassionate, life sustaining care to the Lower Keys region. Lower Keys Medical Center implemented this program in response to the need in the community for safe dialysis services in an inpatient acute care setting.

Patients may require dialysis for diagnoses such as end stage renal disease and acute kidney injury, in which the kidneys are unable to function properly to remove waste, toxins and excess fluid from the blood. During hemodialysis, the blood is pumped through a dialysis machine, filtered and cleaned via a dialyzer, sometimes referred to as an artificial kidney. The clean blood is returned to the patient. While many patients receive dialysis on an outpatient basis, inpatient dialysis is necessary if patients are too unstable for outpatient clinics, have compromised immunity or are experiencing acute, reversible kidney failure.

"We have invested in equipment, resources and training to offer this vital service at Lower Keys Medical Center," said Drew Bigby, chief executive officer. "We want to serve every patient who comes through our doors with safe, high-quality care close to home. Offering in-patient dialysis services will enable local residents to get the care they need without leaving the community. I thank Dr. Beysolow for his knowledge and support in bringing this service to LKMC."

Taweh Beysolow, M.D., board-certified nephrologist and dialysis medical director, oversees the service which is performed by trained registered nurses.

Local resident Vicki Wolcott, who recently received hemodialysis at Lower Keys Medical Center, said, “In the past, I had to be transferred to Miami for inpatient dialysis. It’s very convenient to have it done here. And the dialysis nurse is so good and efficient. She was excellent and there wasn’t a question she couldn’t answer. We appreciate having this service here.”

Lower Keys Medical Center has performed over 50 treatments since it began offering the service, and transfers for nephrology have decreased by 69% from January - April 2026 compared to the same time period in 2025.

Madison Frohn, dialysis RN, and Angelina Ashler, R.N., director of ICU and dialysis, demonstrate hemodialysis equipment.

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