Smith & Nephew has acquired the Aderma Dermal Pads range, a simple product to help prevent pressure damage

Smith & Nephew, (LSE: SN; NYSE: SNN), the global medical technology business, today announces that its UK subsidiary has acquired the Aderma range of Dermal Pads from Focus Product Development Limited.

“Pressure Ulcer prevention is one of the focus areas for the NHS to increase care and reduce costs,” commented Simon Beard, UK & Ireland General Manager. “Up to one in ten patients admitted to hospitals will acquire a pressure ulcer, costing potentially £2.1bn per year. We are excited to add this leading treatment to our portfolio of advanced wound care products and believe it is another step forward in helping our customers to reduce the human and economic costs of wound care.”

Developing skin damage causes great discomfort to the patient and depending on the grade of the ulcer can take many weeks to heal whilst the majority of pressure ulcers can be prevented. The Aderma Dermal Pads are made from a unique polymer gel that redistributes pressure, allowing clinicians to protect bony prominences to help prevent skin damage.

Craig Barson, Managing Director of Focus Product Development Limited, commented: “With Smith & Nephew acquiring the rights to Aderma, the product will receive the sales support opportunities and recognition it truly deserves.”

Aderma Dermal Pads are a simple and effective pressure ulcer prevention device that reduces and redistributes pressure away from critical areas of the body whilst simultaneously transferring frictional force away from the skin. The pads are not adhesive which encourages regular removal and inspection of the skin which is key to any prevention policy. A recent evaluation of the product in a large hospital showed that using Aderma as part of their prevention policy contributed to an 87% overall reduction in hospital-acquired pressure ulcers, and to a decline of 75% in the overall number of pressure ulcers. The products were described by staff as “easy to use” and “simple and effective in protecting vulnerable areas”.

The Aderma Dermal pads are available in a range of different shapes and sizes, including sheets, strips, heel and sacrum. The pads can be used in conjunction with pressure relieving mattresses, cushions, and skin care barrier creams and films. They are for single patient use only but can be washed and re-used by the same patient.

For more information about Aderma, please visit www.aderma.info.

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