News
EXCITING CAREER OPPORTUNITES...........
Sumed is looking to recruit Area Sales Managers to cover various territories throughout the UK...
Our preferred candidates would have some sales experience and a sound knowledge of skin integrity and seating. The majority of the role involves working with NHS customers within both Acute and Community markets. Candidates should have a professional, confident and enthusiastic approach and be able to work effectively on their own and within a team environment. The role will be challenging and enjoyable with a generous package available to the right candidate.
If you feel this opportunity may be right for you, please send your CV along with a covering letter to Diane Hargrove at Sumed International (UK) Ltd, Integrity House, Units 1- 2 Graphite Way, Hadfield, Glossop, Derbyshire. SK13 1QH or e-mail diane@sumed.co.uk
_____________________ STYLISH, DURABLE ALLOY WHEELS INTRODUCED ON FORTUNA CHAIRS...........
New alloy wheels with reflector strips are now fitted as standard on all self propelling chairs, which not only look stylish but also offer improved durability.
Currently available on all variants within the self propelling Wheelchair range, they will soon be available on all drum brake version wheelchairs as well.
The range of Fortuna Wheelchairs available from Sumed are suitable for weights of up to 25, 33, 40 and 50 stone and comprise a variety of transit and self-propelled wheelchairs in seat widths and depths to accommodate most requirements.
Click Fortuna Heavy Duty Wheelchair for more information on the range of Fortuna Wheelchairs.
For further information please call SUMED on 01457 890980 or email sales@sumed.co.uk _____________________
HANNAH JOINS THE TEAM AT SUMED
Sumed is delighted to introduce you to their newest recruit- Hannah Jackson, who will be based at Head Office in Hadfield.
Hannah joins the team as Marketing Assistant and has recently graduated from Reading University with a degree in Meteorology! As she is a keen hill walker, she couldn’t have succeeded in securing a position in a more fortuitous location than at the edge of the Peak District, and she is looking forward to getting her walking boots out and exploring the area. True to form, the local weather has lived up to expectation as her arrival signaled the change from the weeks of heat wave to the more familiar grey drizzle that the area is famous for!
Hannah who is full of new ideas, is an important addition to the team and is looking forward to offering her help as well as meeting the customers.
_____________________
FREE ROHO™ CUSHION SET UP GUIDES!
We are delighted to offer all our Sumed Customers a ‘FREE’ Roho™ Cushion Set Up Guide. As well as demonstrating a comprehensive step by step cushion set up procedure, complete with images to accurately visualise the process, the laminated guide also offers helpful hints on ways to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness for the patient.
The laminated guide also features a very useful sizing chart detailing the full range of cushion sizes available.
Should you need any additional assistance with your cushion set up or on-going maintenance then the team at Sumed would be delighted to arrange a training session for you. Please contact us in order to arrange an appointment.
For your FREE Roho™ Cushion Set up Guide or to arrange an appointment please call SUMED on 01457 890980 or email sales@sumed.co.uk _____________________
DID YOU VISIT SUMED AT NAEP?
The end of June saw the Sumed team at the annual NAEP conference at the Norbreck Castle Hotel in Blackpool.
NAEP which stands for “National Association of Equipment Providers” is aimed specifically at the Health, Social Care and Voluntary Sectors – Sumed was delighted at the interest and number of visitors to their stand.
The stand showcased a wide selection of pressure relieving surfaces, continuity of care products and featured live pressure mapping demonstrations with the X-Sensor pressure mapping system.
Sales Director Diane Hargrove said ‘It’s always such a pleasure at events like these to be able to talk to visitors about our products in an informal setting’.
Philip Charlton-Smith & Diane Hargrove Visitors to the stand
At the end of the day!
If you didn’t have any opportunity to attend the NAEP Conference or visit the Sumed stand and would like more information on the Sumed product range then please call us on 01457 890980 or email sales@sumed.co.uk
_____________________
SUMED ACQUISITION OF RAYMAR CLEAN AND REPAIR SERVICE
Sumed is delighted to announce the acquisition of the ‘Clean and Repair’ Service from Raymar Healthcare Limited.
Raymar has been Sumed’s sub-contractor of clean and repair activity for several years and the new acquisition promises to be a development that will benefit both companies, employees and clients alike.
The consolidation of activity will result in a new service which will be integrated into the Sumed portfolio within the Hadfield facility enabling the company to offer a more efficient and superior quality ‘clean and repair’ proposition to customers.
Graham Collyer of Sumed commented ‘We are delighted to have acquired this business activity, particularly from a highly respected outfit that has been synonymous with integrity and standards of service. By incorporating this service into the Sumed operation, I am confident that the existing high standards of service will excel’.
For further information please call SUMED on 01457 890980 or email sales@sumed.co.uk
_____________________
EXCITING NEWS!!
SUMED ABLE TO OFFER FINANCING ON SELECTED PRODUCTS...
Managing Healthcare budgets always presents a challenge particularly in today’s environment, Sumed are delighted to be able to offer financing options for some products. This service is designed to allow healthcare professionals, specialists and clinicians a more immediate opportunity to acquire state of the art products to promote the well being of their clients, ultimately reducing the cost of long term care.
Sumed is offering the new flexible finance solution via Syscap, the UK’s leading independent provider of technology finance, with over fifteen years experience helping Public Sector bodies acquire the IT they need. Unlike banks and other finance providers, Syscap is experienced in providing finance for “total solutions” including hardware, software, training and maintenance.
Quotes are generally provided on a lease or managed service basis, both of which can be structured to enable off balance sheet status if required. Syscap are aware of the requirements regarding the NHS and are comfortable with the documentation drafted by PASA.
A variety of different structures, payment terms, deferrals etc can be offered dependent upon individual clients’ needs and budgets.
Graham Collyer of Sumed comments ‘Sumed is confident that the introduction of a finance package to help clients purchase higher investment products will ultimately benefit both the clinician and end user, greatly reducing their ‘care’ budgets in the long term.’
FINANCE PACKAGE NOW AVAILABLE FOR X-Sensor™ Pressure Mapping System
One of the products in the Sumed portfolio to benefit from this option is the state of the art X-Sensor™ Pressure Mapping System.
For use by clinicians, rehab specialists and other healthcare professionals, X-Sensor™ pressure imaging systems are used to measure dynamic interface pressure between patients and a variety of support surfaces.
X-sensor Pressure Mapping Click for more information on X-Sensor Pressure Mapping System
For further information and to discuss your needs, please call SUMED on 01457 890980 or email sales@sumed.co.uk
__________
7th – 9th JUNE 2010 SECC GLASGOW
STAND 29
Sumed will have a major presence at the 4th International Conference on Posture and Wheeled Mobility to be held from June 7th to 9th 2010, at the SECC in Glasgow. The team, based on Stand 29, will be on hand to display a wide range of products from the portfolio as well as delivering new product launches.
Sumed will also be hosting live demonstrations of the state of the art X-Sensor ™ Pressure Mapping System which has created a great deal of interest over the past few months. The aim of the event is to place emphasis on creating, presenting, and discussing proposals for Best Practice in a number of areas around seating, posture, and mobility. The topics are a mix of updates on existing best practice guidelines and proposals for new ones, and are being worked on by interdisciplinary teams of therapists, medics, engineers, and manufacturers, as appropriate.
The Conference will be covering:
- Mobility technical and clinical issues
- Managing posture and function
- Cross and multidisciplinary insights
- The role of assistive technology in meeting the needs of individuals
Do come and visit us on Stand 29 where the friendly knowledgeable team will be on hand to offer professional help and advice for your individual requirements. Mobility flyer Please click to download PMG brochure
On a lighter note…
ENTER THE SUMED ‘FREE PRIZE DRAW’ ON STAND FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A FABULOUS HAMPER!
(No purchase necessary)
For further information and to arrange please call SUMED on 01457 890980 or email sales@sumed.co.uk
________
NEW CONTINUITY OF CARE LITERATURE – CONTACT SUMED FOR A BROCHURE
A new ‘Continuity of Care’ brochure is now available from Sumed which not only features products from a wide range of brands within the portfolio including Roho®, TempurMed® and Action®, but also includes Sumed’s own well established ranges such as Flowform™ and Viscotech®.
Covering products ranging from toilet and bath cushions to heel and elbow pads, the brochure also details a selection of Leg spacers, Positioning Rolls, Lumbar supports and Vein cushions.
For a free copy please send your name, address, telephone number and email details to sales@sumed.co.uk or CALL SUMED direct on 01457 890980
_____________________
April 2010
A successful three days was recently spent by the Sumed Sales Team at the ‘Naidex’ exhibition which ran from April 20th – 22nd. The annual event is held at the NEC, Birmingham and witnessed Sumed showcasing its full range of products.
With a constant stream of visitors to the stand, tremendous interest was shown in the exciting debut of the Roho® Hybrid Elite™-a revolutionary wheelchair cushion launched in April. The company’s ‘ Continuity of Care’ product ranges including Roho®, Tempur and Sumed also proved to be a major draw .
Visitors to the stand were also extremely impressed with the live demonstrations of the X-sensor™ Pressure Mapping System which showed clinicians the potential benefits the new V6 software offered as well as clearly demonstrating how simple the X-sensor system is to operate.
Sumed’s Diane Hargrove said ‘ We had an amazingly busy three days with a great deal of interest in all our products. It was good to catch up with many familiar faces as well as meeting and introducing our range to a lot of new ones!’
On a lighter note, a FREE prize draw to win a fabulous Hamper was also held, with the winning recipients walking away with lots of luxurious goodies.
In the photo from l to r……Sue Bradley, Philip Charlton-Smith, Diane Hargrove and Sarah Lahert
If you didn’t get the opportunity to visit Sumed at the exhibition and would like more information on our range of products, please call us on 01457 890980 or email sales@sumed.co.uk
_______
HIGH PEAK MAYOR VISITS SUMED IN HADFIELD
April saw the Mayor of the High Peak, Cllr Peter Kay drop by to Sumed and take a look around the operation.
Photograph courtesy of Reporter and Chronicle Newspapers
The visit was part of the Mayor’s plan to visit successful businesses within the borough and more particularly, his home town!
The Mayor spent time looking round the premises, discussing the nature of the Sumed business and meeting members of the team. The visit was enjoyed by all and the Mayor appeared suitably impressed after his tour.
_____________________
**NEW PRODUCT**
INTRODUCING THE NEW ROHO® HYBRID ELITE™ CUSHION
OFFERING…….
1.SUPERIOR SKIN PROTECTION
2.ENHANCED STABILITY
3.EXCELLENT POSITIONING
**NOW AVAILABLE**
TRY IT FOR YOURSELVES!*
Sumed are proud to announce the arrival of the new Roho® Hybrid Elite™ Cushion. As its name suggests, it is a superior wheelchair cushion that combines the superb skin protection and shape matching ability achieved through utilisation of Roho® Dry Floatation technology with the stability of Jay® base technology. This new cushion design allows for improved pelvic alignment and stability for improved position and function whilst maintaining optimal immersion and envelopment of both the ischial tuberosities and greater trochanters.
The Roho® shape fitting cushion insert has been specifically developed for critical pressure redistribution around the pelvic area, providing the superior skin protection that Roho® is renowned for. Simply adjust the cushion insert to fit the user’s shape in order to minimise tissue deformation and maximise blood flow.
The customised Jay® contoured foam base provides alignment and control for both lower extremities and the pelvic area. It also offers maximum skin protection by hydrostatically loading the ischial tuberosities and the posterior shelf of the greater trochanters for those users who are at high risk of breakdown. A dual valve option on the inserts allows for additional customisation to match the users specific shape and correct asymmetry if required.
*BOOK YOUR DEMONSTRATION
Sumed is offering FREE product demonstrations so that you can see and experience the Roho® Hybrid Elite™ for yourself. The Roho® Hybrid Elite™ cushion range will be available from 1st April, so secure your demonstration by ringing us on
01457 890980
For further information and to arrange your *demonstration please call SUMED on 01457 890980 or email sales@sumed.co.uk
_____________________
CLEAN AND REPAIR SERVICE FOR ROHO® CUSHIONS AND MATTRESSESS
Do you have any Roho® Cushions and Mattresses that are in need of our clean or repair service?
Roho® cushions and mattresses are renowned for their quality and durability. To ensure your Roho® products continue to perform at their best and can be re used safely - simply send them off to be fully cleaned and repaired if necessary. Sumed is pleased to offer this service across the entire range of cushions, mattresses and continuity of care products.
Call us now on 01457 890980 to find out more.
For further information please call SUMED on 01457 890980 or email sales@sumed.co.uk
_____________________
TECHNICAL WIZARD TO HELP GIVE YOU “PEACE OF MIND” WITH YOUR ROHO®!
We all know how important it is to maintain the correct level of air inflation in a Roho® cushion to deliver the best possible pressure distribution but sometimes that can be difficult – particularly where there are multiple carers involved.
It can also be a worry for new Roho® users who, although they are enjoying the clinical benefits, are still getting used to the different look and feel of a Roho® cushion!
Help is at hand in the shape of the Roho® Merlin ™, the Roho® Merlin™ is a proximity sensor which precisely and continually monitors the inflation level of the Roho® cushion and alerting the user to any changes, keeping you and your client worry free and ensuring that the cushion is providing the optimum relief that it was designed for!
The Roho® Merlin™ is available in four different sizes to fit cushion sizes from 7x7cells through to 12x12cells.
The Roho® Merlin ™ couldn’t be easier to use and can be set up in seconds – give us a call to try it for yourself and see the benefits the Roho® Merlin™ could offer you and your clients.
For further information please call SUMED on 01457 890980 or email sales@sumed.co.uk
_____________________
SUMED HOST ROHO PRODUCT ROADSHOWS – NOVEMBER 09
The end of November was a busy time for the Sumed Sales team as they delivered a series of roadshows up and down the country in conjunction with the Roho Group.
Aimed at Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Rehabilitation Engineers working in the wheelchair services and Nursing staff involved in pressure relief management, each of the five events saw a packed audience, enthralled with the days’ events. The November 2009 roadshows, FREE to all participants, were delivered to The Northants Wheelchair Services, Havering Wheelchair Services, Cross Service/Multiservice in Derby, Stockport Wheelchair Services and the a cross sectional team which included the NHS Community Equipment Centre, in Portsmouth.
Delivering a broad spectrum of disciplines, topics covered in each of the roadshows included
- The entire process of a seating assessment, including a basic skin integrity assessment.
- Demonstration and discussion of the physical/mat assessment.
- The biomechanics of seating and how it links to the seated posture & seating interventions to alleviate pressure damage and affects functionality.
- Case Studies on assessment, seating interventions and outcomes.
- Practical seating and positioning session using the Roho Group positioning products and the X-sensor™ pressure mapping system.
Representing the Roho Group was Bart Van der Heyden, the Director of European Training and Education, who later commented ‘I really enjoyed working with you all and it was inspiring to see the enthusiasm everyone had for ROHO products!’. With over 14 years in the seating and positioning field, he has gained his vast knowledge after having worked in Belgium, Germany and the USA.
ROHO ® - click the link to take you to our Roho ® products
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HOLDING A SIMILAR EVENT – FREE ATTENDANCE AND AT NO COST TO YOURSELVES - PLEASE CALL SUMED on 01457 890980 or email sales@sumed.co.uk
_____________________
FORTUNA™ HEAVY DUTY WHEELCHAIR
RANGE FREE CDs AVAILABLE FROM SUMED
The complete specification for the Fortuna™ Heavy Duty Wheelchair Range is now available on a FREE CD from SUMED.
Covering four models, with weight limits of up to 25 stone, 33 stone, 40 stone and 50 stone, the information includes all the prescription forms for model variants 800, 1000, 1400 and 1500, a full parts’ list, together with inclusive User and Service Manuals and much more!
Fortuna Heavy Duty Wheelchair - click to link to Fortuna range
To claim your FREE copy of the CD please send your name, address, telephone number and email details to sales@sumed.co.uk or CALL SUMED direct on 01457 890980
_____________________
November 2009
A successful three days was recently spent by the Sumed Sales Team at the “Wounds UK” exhibition at Harrogate. With over 600 visitors to the stand, the company’s presence established that there is tremendous interest in the Sumed ‘continuity of care’ product ranges as well Roho™, Ciltech™ and Veinoplus™ which are all integral to the portfolio.
Visitors to the stand were also extremely impressed with the live demonstrations of the X-sensor™ Pressure Mapping System which showed clinicians the potential benefits the new V6 software offered as well as clearly demonstrating how simple the X-sensor system is to operate.
On a lighter note, a FREE prize draw to win a fabulous Christmas Hamper was also held, with the winning recipient walking away with lots of tasty goodies for the festive season!!
Barbara Pritchard, Tissue Viability Nurse from Wrexham Maelor Hospital in Wrexham, winner of the Sumed Christmas Hamper.
Graham Collyer, Diane Hargrove and Roger Gilson from Sumed ready to receive visitors!
If you didn’t get the opportunity to visit Sumed at the exhibition and would like more information on our range of products, please call us on 01457 890980 or email sales@sumed.co.uk
_____________________
PRODUCT FOCUS
CILTECH™ SHEET AND GEL – THE SILICONE SOLUTION TO SCARRING
Sumed is now able to provide the healthcare professional with a single, simple source for silicone scar treatment, by offering a comprehensive sheet and gel range from Ciltech™
Offering substantial cost savings, Ciltech™ Anti-Scar Gel and Ciltech™ Anti-Scar Elastomer Sheet provide the ideal solution for flattening, smoothing and reducing the discolouration associated with keloid or hypertrophic scars following surgery, burns or other traumatic wounds.
Hypertrophic and keloid scars have been successfully diminished by either silicone sheet or silicone gel treatment since the 1980s and it is believed that silicone treatment delivers partial occlusion and rehydration of the skin, leading to a reduction of scar size and prominence.
The Ciltech™ range comprises :-
Ciltech™ Anti-Scar Gel
Available in 15g or 60g packs and comprises a self-drying silicone based product which, when applied as a thin layer, will dry within about 5 minutes to form a transparent semi-occlusive film.
Ciltech™ Anti-Scar Elastomer Sheet
Available in 10cm x 20cm, 15cm x 15cm and 10cm x 10cm sheets, which can be cut to size – a self-adhesive conformable silicone sheet backed by a semi-permeable polyurethane film.
The Ciltech™ products have been available on drug tariff since November 2008 and are rapidly gaining widespread usage within Burns and Plastics departments as well as Hand therapy units.
For further information please call SUMED on 01457 890980 or email sales@sumed.co.uk
_____________________
SUMED GIVES A MUCH NEEDED BOOST TO LOCAL JUNIOR FOOTBALL TEAM
In line with Sumed’s policy of supporting the local community, the company recently presented a junior football team with a cheque to help provide them with their supply of footballs.
The recipient club, Gamesley Villa is actively appealing to locals to help them find new premises as with over 120 budding stars on their books they have outgrown their current location at Gamesley Primary School.
Executive Chairman of Sumed, Graham Collyer said ‘We are very keen to support local initiatives and we looked at Gamesley Villa and the youngsters and we wanted to help them. The club is well run and we aim to support the community the best we can’.
Secretary of Gamesley Villa, Pete Aldred, responded ‘This money is a great boost for us. We are looking for a new place to play. Gamesley School has been great to us and we owe a lot of thanks to them, but we need somewhere else now’.
Sumed’s Graham Collyer shown handing over cheque
_____________________
NEW LOOK ROHO AIRLITE CUSHION RE-LAUNCHES
The ever popular and effective Roho Airlite™ cushion range has been re-designed and relaunched with a comprehensive range of sizes – all at very competitive prices!!
Renowned as a name that offers stylish lightweight cushion solutions for the more independent client, the Roho Airlite™ is a contoured cushion with integral air pockets contained in the sacral region of the cushion. Requiring no adjustment, the Roho Airlite™ will give good levels of pressure relief for your clients, up to moderate risk levels. The contoured shape provides a comfortable and stable position and the full range of sizes means that a cushion solution is now available for the majority of wheelchairs.
From 36cms x 36cms up to 51cms by 46cms, we are also able to offer bespoke sizes to suit the individual requirements of patients.
For further information please call SUMED on 01457 890980 or email sales@sumed.co.uk
_____________________
STATE OF THE ART PRESSURE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM NOW AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM SUMED
An updated and user-friendly interface pressure measurement system is now available in the UK, exclusively from Sumed. What makes the updated XSensor ™ Pressure Mapping System unique, is that unlike its predecessors, it is both simple to use and maintain, whilst benefitting from advanced functionality. Added to this, its affordability now makes it a viable tool to reduce the risk of pressure damage in patients.
The NEW ADVANCED V6 SOFTWARE has been developed to offer faster data capture and allows for improved manipulation. In addition to the basic assessment option of the V5 version, the V6 has the additional benefit of a comprehensive four step surface assessment guide, including extensive positional analysis and risk assessment protocols.
This system is available with the innovative ‘plug and play’ display option which makes pressure mapping so simple to use – where ever you are!
Sumed also offers a FULL CALIBRATION SERVICE available from their offices in Hadfield, providing a quick, easy and efficient package for an exceptional product which is destined to be integral to the care and management of pressure damage.
Xsensor Pressure Mapping - click the link for more more information
For further information please call SUMED on 01457 890980 or email sales@sumed.co.uk
_____________________
CASE STUDY PREPARED ON ROHO™ DRY FLOTATION TECHNOLOGY RANGE OF PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FROM SUMED
Jackie Stephen-Haynes, the eminent Consultant Nurse and Senior Lecturer in Tissue Viability for Worcestershire PCT and University of Worcester recently completed a case study on the implications for Clinical Practise when using Roho™ Dry flotation technology.
The paper covers the causes of pressure damage and the cost of treatment which is estimated at £1.4 to £2.1 billion every year which equates to a massive 4% of total NHS annual expenditure. (Bennett et al, 2004)
The prevention of pressure ulceration requires a multi-factor approach which includes risk assessment, re-positioning, nutritional assessment/management, continence management and the use of pressure relieving equipment. However it is important to note that pressure ulcers are considered to be largely preventable.
ROHO™ product range showcased at ‘Wounds’ 09
Risk assessment and the provision of suitable pressure relieving equipment are the two essential components in preventing pressure damage.
There are a multitude of different equipment approaches which can appear be daunting to the clinician. Roho™ products offer unique solutions that can help with positioning, comfort and pressure reduction and range from a toilet seat cushion, recliner cushion, sacral support cushion through to Roho™ heel boots, to offer focused protection and promote wound heeling.
A significant part of the study also concentrates on the Roho™ Mattress range and the benefits they can offer to the user.
Ms Stephen-Haynes article is substantiated by evidence based research which is well documented within her case study.
For further information or a FREE copy of the CASE STUDY please call Sumed on 01457 890980 or email sales@sumed.co.uk.
ROHO ® Products- click the link for more information on Roho ® products and technology.
IF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED POSITIVE BENEFITS FROM THE USE OF ANY OF OUR PRODUCTS WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU. PLEASE CONTACT DIANE HARGROVE ON 01457 890980 or email diane@sumed.co.ukA
_____________________
The Posifect® Bio-electric Wound Dressing comes to the UK
The revolutionary POSiFECT® bio-electric dressing moves Sumed into an exciting new area of wound care – therapy for the long-term non-healing wound.
Produced by Biofisica, the leading manufacturer of bio-current wound healing technology, the POSiFECT® dressing range is now exclusively distributed and supported throughout the UK by Sumed International (UK) Ltd.
The POSiFECT® wound dressing produces small bio-electric currents around the site of a wound to mimic natural bio-electric currents which can help non- healing wounds to begin the normal healing process.
Biofisica’s president commented “The strength of Sumed’s team and reputation will allow us to expand…into the UK market and ensure that this ground breaking technology is available to patients via the public healthcare system.”
Non-healing wounds are extremely common and include pressure sores, leg ulcers and post-operative or post-trauma wounds – it is estimated that non-healing wound management costs the NHS some 4% of its total annual budget.
This exciting new technology is a logical progression for Sumed and takes full advantage of our existing expertise in wound care.
Biofisica Bio-electric Stimulation Therapy - click link for more information
_____________________
Scientists harness nature's sea healers
Monday 25 February 2008
Scientists at the University of Bolton are using seaweed and crab shell extracts to create an innovative medical textile with unique properties to aid and accelerate healing.
This new material, called Chitocel, is now set to be developed as a revolutionary wound dressing. Infused with natural healing and antibacterial properties, this dressing will be able to absorb moisture, help stop bleeding and be hypoallergenic. It will also be better for the environment, its natural products ingredients make it completely biodegradable.
International patents have been filed and the material's commercial future will be developed with North West medical dressings company Sumed (International) UK Ltd. The work was made possible as a result of support Sumed received from SEEDA (the South East of England Development Agency).
Leading the four-year research project at the University of Bolton is Dr Mohsen Miraftab who has worked in the field of wound dressing development within the university's Centre for Materials Research and Innovation (CMRI) for the past eight years.
Pictured with Dr Miraftab is Graham Collyer, the Executive Chairman of Sumed (International) UK Ltd, in the CMRI textiles labs at the University
Said Dr Miraftab:
'We began by looking at alginate, extracted from a type of seaweed which has excellent liquid absorption properties. This is very important in wound dressings as the body produces its own natural defence to wounds, for example plasma, which needs to be absorbed and held away from the skin.'
'We were also looking for healing qualities and it is Chitosan, extracted from crab shell, which provides all the healing and antibacterial merits of this new material. In stories of ancient China, in battles, there are tales of crabs being smashed open and thrust into wounds. There is logic in this; Chitosan is antimicrobial and accelerates cell activity. In effect it heals and kills bacteria but, of course, it can't absorb water – being the crab's shell it is actually designed to do the opposite.'
Dr Miraftab's team have found a way to fuse together the molecules of alginate and Chitosan, creating a new molecule. Their patented technique uses hydrolysis and wet extrusion processes to create a new fibre which is infused with all the natural properties of its raw ingredients and yet strong enough to be made into a dressing.
Said Dr Miraftab:
'We are not the first team to look at alginate and Chitosan, but we are the first to successfully create a combined fibre strong enough to be made into a wound dressing.'
Now, working together with Sumed (International) UK Ltd, the team has developed the fibre from the initial university prototype to create a 10cm-square wound dressing.
Said Graham Collyer, the Executive Chairman of Sumed (International) UK Ltd:
'There is still more testing to do on Chitocel but all the indicators are that we do have something new.
'Pre-clinical safety trials are currently being carried out and further funding for commercialisation is being sought.'
_____________________
New Sales Advisors allow Total UK coverage
Sumed have expanded their network of expert sales advisers to eight, allowing a complete coverage of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Now all areas of the UK will be able to enjoy the approachable expertise of Sumed sales and advice staff, who will be happy to help customers will all aspects of product support.
This will include training, demonstration of new products and techniques to individuals or groups and a generous supply of assessment stock from the Sumed portfolio of products.
For more details of our sales areas and services, please contact your local area manager.