NOVI, Mich. – The investigation into a patient’s death and multiple hospitalizations linked to a DaVita dialysis center in Novi is now in the hands of the state, after Novi police said they found no evidence of suspicious activity, foul play, or criminal conduct.
The shift in the investigation comes more than 24 hours after authorities announced to the public that a patient died after leaving the DaVita Dialysis center in Novi over the weekend.
Four other patients were hospitalized after receiving treatment at the same facility, and another patient was hospitalized following treatment at a DaVita location in Southfield.
Local 4 spoke with the Oakland County PIO, who said the county suggested the center close its clinic this weekend. The center closed on Monday and has been closed since.
Local 4 also observed state personnel at the Novi center on Thursday. Two workers who would not answer questions were seen leaving the building and driving away.
To get answers, we contacted a DaVita representative, who said they have no new information to share today and couldn’t answer any questions.
In an effort to get answers, Local 4 contacted multiple agencies.
Oakland County officials said they suggested the center close and that they are not involved in the investigation. They also said they are waiting on the toxicology reports for the person who died.
They then directed any further questions to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Local 4 asked the state multiple questions, three of which were:
- When can the DaVita center in Novi reopen?
- Is testing being done on the equipment to determine what happened?
- Has this center been under investigation before?
MDHHS referred those questions to the state’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). LARA responded in a brief statement, saying only, “Due to the ongoing investigation, we cannot comment further at this time.”
“Due to the ongoing investigation, we cannot comment further at this time.”
Local 4 has learned that a law firm has been retained to represent several families who say they were injured after receiving treatment at the Novi DaVita location.