DaVita, Inc. today announced that it has acquired the outpatient dialysis business of Providence Health System located at Providence Yakima Medical Center in Yakima, Washington, as well as, two outpatient dialysis facilities from Bon Secours Hampton Roads Health System, located in Newport News and Portsmouth, Virginia. Together these acquisitions have added approximately 250 patients in two existing DaVita markets.

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Rich Whitney, Chief Financial Officer, commented, "these acquisitions improve our presence in key markets where we are now a leading provider of dialysis services. We are excited to join the physicians and hospitals in seeking to provide optimal care for the dialysis patients served by these facilities."

Bon Secours represents the second hospital transaction completed by DaVita in recent months. In addition to providing outpatient dialysis care, DaVita will manage the inpatient dialysis services for patients admitted to Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, Mary Immaculate Hospital and Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center. "Bon Secours is committed to providing the patients we serve with the best quality of care. When looking for someone to assume responsibility for outpatient dialysis services, Bon Secours selected DaVita," said Richard Hanson, Chief Executive Officer for Bon Secours Hampton Roads. "DaVita's clinical outcomes consistently rank well above the national averages for renal dialysis services. DaVita's commitment to care for all patients was consistent with the Bon Secours mission and therefore we believe dialysis patients will ultimately be better served by DaVita."

Earlier DaVita completed the Yakima transaction. Rebecca Ryder, Chief Operating Officer for Providence stated, "the transitioning of the dialysis unit to DaVita is the right choice for dialysis patients and staff and will strengthen a valued community asset." Ms. Ryder went on to explain that DaVita's demonstrated "commitment to quality patient care and its mission and values are compatible with the Providence mission."

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.