Fresenius Kidney Care and St. Joseph's Health Expand Access to Home Dialysis with New Center

LIVERPOOL, N.Y. – Fresenius Kidney Care, the dialysis division of Fresenius Medical Care North America and the nation’s leading network of dialysis facilities, has partnered with St. Joseph’s Health to open a new home therapies dialysis center in Liverpool, NY, offering people living with kidney failure more convenient access to quality care as well as the option to dialyze at home.

The 2,500 square-foot facility, set to open later this month, will serve as a training center for patients who dialyze at home.

Many experts agree that home dialysis—either peritoneal or hemodialysis—is the best option for treating kidney failure with dialysis. Choosing at-home dialysis can mean greater scheduling flexibility, fewer food restrictions and better outcomes. Home dialysis treatment can also be done longer and more frequently, making it gentler on the body.

“Home dialysis allows patients to integrate this life-sustaining treatment into their lifestyle and schedule in the most convenient way possible,” said Dr. Jeffrey Hymes, Chief Medical Officer for Fresenius Kidney Care. "We believe that home dialysis should be offered to all patients, and thanks to advances in technology, awareness and support, we are making this a reality. "

Dialysis treatment for kidney failure rids the body of unwanted toxins, waste products and excess fluids by filtering the blood. When kidneys fail, they are unable to filter the blood for toxins. People living with kidney failure generally dialyze three days a week for four hours per treatment to filter their blood.

“It is imperative Central New Yorkers have the ability to choose their preferred treatment when it comes to their healthcare needs,” said Congressman John Katko (NY-24). “This partnership between Fresenius Kidney Care and St. Joseph’s Health creates another dialysis treatment option for those suffering from kidney disease. I applaud the opening of this facility and the healthcare opportunities it presents to our community.”

“This is very exciting because now the people of Syracuse and the surrounding areas have increased opportunity for home dialysis giving the people better access to one of the best options for treating kidney failure,” said Senator Bob Antonacci. “As a former transplant aide at St. Joseph's, I am proud of these efforts."

“This new facility will allow more people suffering with kidney failure to live longer, more fulfilling lives,” said Assemblyman Al Stirpe. “By training people how to administer home dialysis, this center will enable patients to undergo more frequent treatments without having to schedule dialysis visits with a healthcare provider. I want to thank both Fresenius Kidney Care and St. Joseph’s Health for making this treatment and training center a reality.”

"Ensuring that individuals have access to the best quality medical care so they can live healthier lives is vitally important,” said Onondago County Executive J. Ryan McMahon, II. “I commend Fresenius Kidney Care and St. Joseph’s Health for their continued commitment to health care innovation. This increased access to kidney disease treatments will allow patients in the area to flourish while still maintaining the highest level of care.”

“We are truly fortunate to have a health care provider like St. Joseph’s in Central New York,” said Supervisor Damian M. Ulatowski. “Their position in the health care industry is top notch and their partnership with Fresenius Kidney Care is just one more example of how cutting edge a provider can be. The innovative approach that these two providers bring to patients alternative care demonstrates their commitment to modern medicine and we are proud to have their latest facility in the Town of Clay.”

One in seven adults will develop chronic kidney disease, with many not detecting the condition until they have lost more than 90 percent of their kidney function. More than 660,000 Americans live with End Stage Renal Disease, or kidney failure, which requires either a transplant or dialysis to remove waste from the blood, maintain safe levels of potassium and sodium and control blood pressure. Currently, 468,000 people in the U.S. depend on dialysis as a life-sustaining treatment.

About Fresenius Kidney Care

Fresenius Kidney Care, a division of Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA), provides dialysis treatment and support services to more than 190,000 people with kidney disease every year whether in their own homes or at more than 2,400 facilities nationwide. Fresenius Kidney Care’s dedicated teams help address the physical and emotional aspects of kidney disease through personalized care, education and lifestyle support services. For more information about Fresenius Kidney Care, visit our website.




About St. Joseph’s Health


St. Joseph’s Health is a regional non-profit health care system based in Syracuse, NY. Offering primary, specialty and home care, a Magnet-recognized hospital, and collaboration with community partners, St. Joseph's Health advances the well-being of the communities we serve through an expanding range of services to ensure our patients achieve optimum long-term health. St. Joseph’s is ranked by Consumer Reports among the top 15 heart surgery centers in the country, a designated Stroke Center and a U.S. News “Best Regional Hospital.” St. Joseph’s Health is affiliated with Franciscan Companies and St. Joseph’s Physicians, and is a member of Trinity Health.