Hot Springs VA to Restart Dialysis Service

Million-dollar upgrade to water quality equipment allows VA medical center to resume critical care.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Hot Springs VA Medical Center in South Dakota is set to provide dialysis services again after pausing the treatment in October due to aging equipment that ensured water quality. The VA is committing $1 million to upgrade the necessary equipment, allowing the center to resume this critical care for veterans.

Why it matters

Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment for patients with kidney failure, so the temporary suspension of this service at the Hot Springs VA created significant hardship for veterans who rely on the facility. The quick action by Senator Mike Rounds and VA Secretary Doug Collins to secure funding for equipment upgrades will restore this essential medical service.

The details

The Hot Springs VA Medical Center paused dialysis services in October because the equipment that ensured water quality for the dialysis machines was wearing out. Senator Rounds and VA Secretary Collins announced that the VA will be committing $1 million to upgrade the necessary equipment, allowing the center to resume dialysis treatment.

  • The Hot Springs VA Medical Center paused dialysis services in October 2025.
  • On February 20, 2026, Senator Rounds and VA Secretary Collins announced the $1 million upgrade to restart dialysis.

The players

Hot Springs VA Medical Center

A U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility located in Hot Springs, South Dakota that provides healthcare services to veterans.

Senator Mike Rounds

A Republican U.S. Senator representing South Dakota.

VA Secretary Doug Collins

The current Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

State Senator Amber Hulse

A state senator in South Dakota who is calling for an investigation into how the dialysis equipment issue reached a critical stage.

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What they’re saying

“We must thank Senator Rounds for quick action to remedy the situation.”

— State Senator Amber Hulse (dakotanewsnetwork.com)

What’s next

State Senator Hulse is calling for an investigation into how the dialysis equipment issue at the Hot Springs VA reached a critical stage, in order to prevent similar lapses in the future.

The takeaway

The restoration of dialysis services at the Hot Springs VA is a relief for veterans who rely on this critical treatment, highlighting the importance of maintaining medical equipment and infrastructure at VA facilities to ensure continuity of care for those who have served.