Northwest Kidney Centers Reports High Quality Ratings and Solid Financial Results in Just-completed Year

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Nov 01, 2017, 08:45 ET

SEATTLE, Nov. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Northwest Kidney Centers closed its 2017 fiscal year with quality measures leading the nation and a solid financial performance that enables it to grow to meet surging demand for life-sustaining kidney dialysis.

The first dialysis organization in the world, Northwest Kidney Centers celebrated 55 years of service in 2017. It now ranks as the third-largest nonprofit dialysis provider in the country. It is the provider of choice for 4 out of 5 people who need dialysis in and around Seattle in Washington's King and Clallam counties.

The federal government's rating system for dialysis providers awarded Northwest Kidney Centers 4.6 out of 5 stars, among the top marks in the country.

Northwest Kidney Centers administered 4 percent more treatments in 2017 than the previous year. The Washington Department of Health granted it permission to add treatment capacity at its Enumclaw dialysis clinic, and to open two new clinics in Federal Way. Northwest Kidney Centers also purchased property in Rainier Beach and Burien for future expansion.

Milestone events included: a pledge of $15 million over 5 years to jump-start the Center for Dialysis Innovation at the University of Washington, creation of the first mobile palliative care program in a dialysis organization, hiring Dr. Suzanne Watnick as chief medical officer and Bob Peck as vice president of human resources, and publication of "From Miracle to Mainstream: creation of the world's first dialysis organization," a book by emeritus executive director Dr. Christopher Blagg.

Revenue for the year totaled $117 million, including $3.3 million in charitable gifts from individuals and corporations in the community.

"Things keep changing as we grow and build. But we remain constant in our dedication to promoting the optimal health, quality of life and independence of people with kidney disease," wrote president and CEO Joyce F. Jackson and 2017 chair of the board of trustees Gary R. Houlahan.

See the full annual report online at www.nwkidney.org/annualreport or request a printed copy from [email protected].

Northwest Kidney Centers is a regional, not-for-profit provider of kidney dialysis, public health education, and research into the causes and treatments of chronic kidney disease. Founded in Seattle in 1962, it was the world's first dialysis organization. Now ranked as the eighth-largest dialysis provider overall in the United States, it is known for high quality services, deep community connections and generous donor support.

CONTACT:
Cynthia Flash
425-603-9520
[email protected]

SOURCE Northwest Kidney Centers