Most died while still receiving dialysis, although not always as regularly as recommended. Several said that the fates of those who returned home had reinforced their fears about leaving Atlanta.įive of the 13 patients who left for Mexico with assistance from Grady or the Mexican government have died, according to Matt Gove, a Grady senior vice president. The patients in Atlanta have gambled that American generosity, even at a time of hostility toward illegal immigrants, would prove a surer bet than uncertain care in their home countries. “I’m young, and without dialysis it would be taking my life.” “That would make me feel real happy because continuing with my dialysis, I need it to live,” said Ignacio Godinez Lopez, 24, who crossed into the United States illegally as a teenager and has been treated at Grady’s expense for four years.
![fidelia assistance telephone fidelia assistance telephone](https://www.argusdelassurance.com/mediatheque/2/1/0/000012012_624x337_c.jpg)
But all parties said after meeting Tuesday morning that they were optimistic that they would reach an understanding and that patients would see no lapse in treatment. Vital details of the agreement remain to be negotiated, including precisely how the patients will be distributed, how much Grady will pay and whether the arrangement will extend for patients’ lifetimes.
![fidelia assistance telephone fidelia assistance telephone](https://www.refurbishedoffers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/FideliaBlack_620x342-500x500.jpg)
That contract, with Fresenius Medical Services, expired on Tuesday. But in response to a patient lawsuit and news media scrutiny, the hospital eventually contracted with a commercial dialysis provider to treat the others in Atlanta for one transitional year. Grady volunteered to transport the patients to other states or their home countries and pay for three months of treatment.