New Dialysis Center Provides Choice, Access to Quality Care for Patients in the Western Suburbs

(DOWNERS GROVE, IL) - Patients in the western suburbs in need of dialysis treatment now have improved access to quality care close to home, thanks to a new 13-station U.S. Renal Care facility at 1201-B Butterfield Road in Downers Grove, near the border of Oak Brook. Secretary of State Jesse White, organ donation advocate Connie Payton, village officials, area hospital leaders, healthcare advocates, patients and physicians gathered today to mark the opening of the state-of-the-art facility.

For patients like Vikki Tulcus, a resident of nearby Westmont, a high-quality, easily accessible facility will have a profound impact on her health and quality of life. "For me and my family, the U.S. Renal Care Downers Grove facility is going to make a world of difference," Tulcus said. "As a patient, nothing is more important to me than choice. I finally have a choice in where I get my dialysis care and knowing that it's close to home gives me peace of mind and comfort."

In addition to a convenient location, patients will have access to an entire team of dedicated professionals including dieticians, social workers and nurses who will provide patients and their families with the support and resources they need to stay on a healthy path during treatment. The new center also comes equipped with massage chairs and individual DVD players at each station to ensure a comfortable and relaxing experience.

Dr. Anis Rauf, a nephrologist who both lives and treats patients in the area, will serve as the facility's Medical Director. "This U.S. Renal Care clinic will give patients a much-needed choice in where they get their care," said Dr. Rauf. "We are committed to giving patients the quality care they deserve so they can focus on their health and wellness to ensure the best outcome."

In addition to in-center dialysis treatments, the new facility also includes a cutting-edge Home Therapies program with a dedicated space where patients who choose to dialyze in the comfort of their homes can come for education and training. U.S. Renal Care's Home Therapy program also provides a staff-assist option where patients can choose home treatment with the assistance of a registered nurse.

"U.S. Renal Care offers a full range of treatment options so patients can choose what works best for them and their individual needs," said Home Therapies nurse Debbie Engler. "Our Home Therapies program gives patients flexibility and control supported by a professionally trained staff that is committed to giving them the care they need to live the life they deserve."

The new facility will help meet the increased need for dialysis services. The need has grown in part due to an aging population, who often experiences an increase in kidney-related diseases, and a staggering rise in diabetes, which is one of the leading causes of kidney failure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects diabetes cases in the Chicago area to grow by nearly 50 percent over the next 15 years.

Beyond providing both in-center and at-home treatment options, U.S. Renal Care and its physicians are committed to making sure patients understand all of their options, including a kidney transplant, which is ultimately the best treatment for kidney failure. According to the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, there are approximately 4,700 people in Illinois waiting for an organ transplant. Two-thirds of those patients are on the list waiting for kidneys, which on average can take between 5 and 7 years. While patients wait for a transplant, it's critical they have access to quality dialysis care to stay healthy.

The U.S. Renal Oak Brook/Downers Grove facility was approved by the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board in October 2011 and received widespread support from local and state leaders, Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, Adventist Midwest Health, Access DuPage, and numerous area physicians and patients.

The facility is U.S. Renal Care's second dialysis center in Illinois, with their third facility scheduled to open this fall at 396 Remington Blvd in Bolingbrook. They currently operate a facility in Streamwood which opened in July.