Novi Police are investigating a death and multiple illnesses potentially tied to a dialysis center in the city.
Police said in a news release on Wednesday afternoon that officers and fire department personnel responded to the report of a possible missing person on Sunday, June 21.
The 72-year-old individual, a patient, was last seen earlier that day at the DaVita Dialysis Center, 27150 Providence Parkway in Novi.
Family members became concerned when the patient failed to return home following theirappointment, police said in the release, adding that, “Upon arrival, Novi Police officers located the individual deceased inside a vehicle.”
Police said there was no indication of foul play.
Novi Police contacted emergency department personnel at Henry Ford Providence Novi Hospital and learned that several patients who had recently received treatment at the Novi DaVita Dialysis Center had sought medical care.
“Four such patients were identified at the hospital,” the release continued, “including one who is in the intensive care unit (ICU).”
A fifth patient was also hospitalized following treatment at a Davita Southfield location.
“At this time, investigators have not established any connection between the illnesses or the deathand treatment received at DaVita Dialysis,” police said in the release.
The police are working with the Oakland County Health Division and state officials in the investigation.
The Novi DaVita Dialysis Center is currently closed at the request of the Oakland County Health Division, “as a precautionary measure.”
Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Novi PoliceDepartment at 248-348-7100.A person answering the phone at the Novi dialysis center replied to a request for comment by saying their priority was to help patients and that they were busy rescheduling.DaVita states in a voice recording to callers on hold that their mission is “to become the greatest kidney care company the world has ever seen,” which it asserts is reflected in the health of their patients who have “clinical outcomes above the national average.”
Contact reporter Susan Bromley at sbromley@hometownlife.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Novi Police investigating death, sicknesses tied to dialysis center
Reporting by Susan Bromley, Hometownlife.com / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Susan Bromley, Hometownlife.com | USA TODAY Network
