Editor's note: This story was updated to add new information.
An IV hydration spa has abruptly closed its Ames location, citing the "safety of clients" and "inaccurate information."
Notice of Live Hydration Spa's closure was given on Sept. 5. A flyer was taped to the door at 620 Lincoln Way, Suite 3, saying the decision was difficult but "necessary to ensure the safety of clients" and to "uphold the brand's integrity."
"We understand that you may have received inaccurate information from a former employee of Live Hydration Spa Ames, and we apologize for not being able to prevent this," the notice reads. "We hope you understand that emotions can run high in such situations, leading to misleading or incorrect communications."
The piece of paper also said Live Hydration Spa is committed to reopening under new ownership "as soon as possible."
The notice, which is marked by the LIVE Hydration logo, said the LIVE corporate team will contact anyone who has purchased a package or membership from the Live Hydration Spa Ames location. The company said they will "assist with (a) refund, cancelation, or transfer options to another of the spa's locations."
IV hydration therapy is a method of administering fluids and nutrients directly into the bloodstream, as a rapid method of hydrating oneself.
The notice also said questions can be directed to 402-804-2117 or compliance@livehydrationspa.com.
The Live Hydration Spa location in Ames was independently owned and operated, according to an email from the Live Hydration Spa Franchise Compliance Department, and they handled all customer payments. Customers will need to contact the previous owners, Live Hydration Spa said.
Live Hydration Spa corporate declined to comment further on the closure.
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What is IV hydration?
Live Hydration Spa has locations in Grimes and West Des Moines. The company also has stores in 12 other states, including Illinois, Nebraska and Missouri.
Basic hydration therapy is comprised of a simple saline solution, often supplemented with electrolytes. IV hydration therapies can also contain specific ingredients to meet specific needs and objectives. Live Hydration Spa offers hydration therapy for performance, skin, energy and wellness recovery.
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Medical director's information no longer on website
The biography of Antoinette Thompson, who served as the medical director and an RN for Live Hydration Spa Ames, has been removed from the company's website.
Thompson served as a nurse practitioner for 23 years, spent eight years in emergency care, and has a doctorate in nursing, according to the now-deleted bio.
Thompson's nursing license was suspended in Oklahoma for a year in 2016 for “failing to adequately care for patients between 2015 and 2016." Her license was also suspended for a year in Iowa in 2021 because of her actions in Oklahoma, according to the State of Iowa Board of Nursing.
Her current nursing license was issued on Jan. 29, 2024.
Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Live Hydration Spa Ames closed abruptly "to ensure the safety of clients"
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