DaVita Inc. today announced it has completed the acquisition of the kidney dialysis programs owned by Rockford Health System located in the greater Rockford, Illinois market area. DaVita will operate the five outpatient kidney dialysis facilities and the peritoneal dialysis program, which serve approximately 450 patients, and has formed an alliance with the affiliated nephrologists to continue to expand services in the local market.

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The demand for dialysis treatment in the greater Rockford market has grown significantly over the past 5 years. Rockford Health System, as with many non-profit health care providers, has been challenged to channel resources into its dialysis programs necessary to deliver superior dialysis patient care. With the guidance of local nephrologists, Rockford Health System selected DaVita as their partner of choice in the marketplace.

"As an integrated health care delivery system, we have many patient care programs competing for financial resources," says Gary E. Kaatz, President & CEO, Rockford Health System. "We know that DaVita will not only provide the highest quality dialysis treatment today, but will also have the capital resources necessary to invest in the program for the future. This is a 'win-win' for our patients and the community."

DaVita is a leading provider of dialysis services for patients suffering from chronic kidney failure. The Company owns and operates kidney dialysis centers and home peritoneal dialysis programs domestically in 33 states, as well as Washington, D.C. As of March 31, 2003, DaVita operates 523 outpatient facilities serving 45,000 patients, including 3,300 patients in 30 centers under management.

SOURCE: DaVita Inc.