WILLMAR, Minn. — Fresenius Kidney Care is constructing a new dialysis clinic in Willmar, relocating from its current location in the basement of CentraCare — Rice Memorial Hospital to a new building at 1320 1st St. S. The move is set to improve accessibility for patients and is expected to open in the spring of 2025.

Willmar's Rice Memorial Hospital has been offering dialysis treatment since the late 1960s, becoming one of the first in Minnesota to do so. In 2021, Fresenius Kidney Care took over the operations. The current clinic, located in the basement, presents several challenges for both patients and staff. "The first issue is safety for the patients. We are in a basement. If there is ever an emergency or a fire, trying to get out of here isn’t always the easiest thing to do," said Michael Moll, Fresenius director of operations. "Most or a lot of our patients are wheelchair-bound, and trying to get somebody like that up the stairs without an elevator is difficult."

Moll oversees 17 dialysis units in central Minnesota, including the Willmar clinic, which serves around 50 patients from the area. The new location, previously owned by CentraCare, is being remodeled to fit dialysis equipment and patient needs. "What is going to be great about the new facilities is that it is all on one level. There is a loading zone for patients where they can be dropped off and wheel in with no steps. It is going to be very nice and very new," Moll said.

The move will also provide natural light and outdoor views, a major improvement over the current basement location. The new clinic will feature 12 dialysis chairs, the same number as the existing clinic, but with expanded space for at-home hemodialysis training, which was previously unavailable. "Doing dialysis at home is really the preferred method. It is best for the patient. It is much gentler and an easier treatment for them," Moll added.

Construction on the new clinic has progressed, with infrastructure work completed, and work on the dialysis unit's design and construction ongoing. "We purchased the clinic this summer. There was a while where nothing was really going on there and it was just sitting empty. Starting in August or September, we started getting construction going," said Moll.

Fresenius Kidney Care operates over 2,200 clinics nationwide, with several in central Minnesota, including locations in Litchfield, Alexandria, and St. Cloud. The new Willmar clinic will enhance patient care and accessibility, making it easier for patients to receive treatment and training for at-home dialysis options.