Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA ('the Company') today announced that it has been selected by the National Health System (NHS) in the United Kingdom to manage dialysis care for 12 renal units across the North of England.

These clinics will provide dialysis treatments for more than 400 patients for approximately 7 years in North East and South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Patients will remain under the care of their NHS physicians, while benefiting from Fresenius Medical Care’s dedication, proven experience and expertise in hemodialysis.

This pioneering program - part of the British Government’s involvement in independent sector partnerships to deliver more choice and faster treatment to NHS patients - will see new renal dialysis units developed and existing hospital facilities extended.

While new satellite centers will open the door to more patients and increase capacity, investment will also result in the installation of state-of-the art equipment and the latest technology, as well as the staff training and education.

Dr. Emanuele Gatti, Chief Executive Officer for the regions Europe, Middle East and Africa, commented: 'We are very honored that Fresenius Medical Care has been chosen to work in partnership with the NHS to manage this innovative renal services program in the United Kingdom. We now have an outstanding opportunity to improve capacity for hemodialysis patients in the UK and provide easier access to services. Patients and the healthcare system at large can clearly benefit from our global expertise in renal care and our fully vertically integrated business model.'

According to Kidney Research UK, a charity funding research that focuses on kidney disease, between 600 to 800 patients per one million population need renal replacement therapy in form of dialysis or transplant for survival. Kidney Research expects the number of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients to increase by about 5% annually.