Smith & Nephew (LSE: SN, NYSE: SNN), the global medical technology business, today announces that its Advanced Wound Management division and United Drug Medical are entering into a new strategic partnership to support and promote the IV3000 TM range of cannula dressings in the UK.
From 1 June 2013 this partnership will give IV3000 TM customers access to increased levels of support and resources with an emphasis placed on in-use training and education. It is an extension of an existing relationship between the two companies, and will see United Drug Medical take on all aspects relating to the sales, customer service, and distribution of IV3000 TM in the UK.
Andy Boyes, President Europe, Advanced Wound Management, said: “This new partnership demonstrates a very strong commitment from Smith & Nephew towards the IV3000 TM brand and therapy area. United Drug Medical will assist us in providing the level of support that we need for this exciting product range.
“As well as increasing the level of support and focus on IV3000 TM, Smith & Nephew, in partnership with United Drug Medical, will also be bringing some exciting new product developments to customers over the next couple of months. These improvements, based on feedback from UK clinicians, are designed to improve both the application and performance of the dressing during wear as well as helping reduce the human and economic cost of intra-venous (IV) site care.”
IV3000 TM dressings are designed specifically for IV sites, with REACTIC TM film technology and a unique pattern spread adhesive allowing optimum moisture vapour transmission to reduce moisture build-up and bacterial growth under the dressing.1 IV3000 TM comes in a range of shapes and sizes suitable to dress all types of IV sites from paediatric cannulas to PICC lines.
In addition to the product enhancements IV3000 TM will be further supported by the launch of some innovative new educational resources to support health care professionals and help promote best practice in intravenous therapy.
John Bentley, Managing Director, United Drug Medical, said: “This is a real opportunity for us to work with Smith & Nephew to develop the IV3000 TM range. We are looking forward to the success this partnership will bring and the seeing the benefits for both patients and clinicians.”
Customers who have any questions regarding this partnership can contact the Smith & Nephew Customer Care team on 01482 673848 (advice@smith-nephew.com) or United Drug Customer Care on 01256 365450 (contactus@UDMedical.com). Additionally Smith & Nephew and United Drug Medical will be exhibiting IV3000 TM at the NIVAS conference in London on 6th and 7th June.
Ends
Media Enquiries
Sue Myers / Sara Fisher
Smith & Nephew Advanced Wound Management Division
+44 (0) 1482 673 414
About Smith & Nephew
Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business dedicated to helping improve people's lives. With leadership positions in Orthopaedic Reconstruction, Advanced Wound Management, Sports Medicine and Trauma, Smith & Nephew has over 10,500 employees and a presence in more than 90 countries. Annual sales in 2012 were more than $4.1 billion. Smith & Nephew is a member of the FTSE100 (LSE: SN, NYSE: SNN). For more information about Smith & Nephew, please visit: www.smith-nephew.com
About United Drug Medical
United Drug provides outsourced commercial solutions to international healthcare companies. We specialise in supply chain, packaging, sales and marketing, medical and regulatory services. We operate in five major international markets and employ over 7,000 people around the world. Our vision is: To enable healthcare companies to operate more effectively – by providing better solutions for providers, payers and patients. Annual sales were more that €1.8bn in 2012. United Drug is a FTSE 250 listed company.
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References
1. Richardson, MC (1991) An in-vivo assessment of microbial proliferation under transparent film dressings. In Maki, DG, Ed., International Congress and symposium Series No 179, ‘Improving catheter site care’. Royal Society of Medicine Series, London, New York, 29-33