NEWS RELEASE

Date:Thursday 2 June 2005

Embargo:Immediate

Contacts: Rory Carroll - 020 7787 3067 or 07710 274 285

New UK medical technologies debut at Hospitalar

Four leading British medical technology firms will be attending Hospitalar, South America’s annual healthcare trade fair this year.

Hospitalar 2005, taking place in Sao Paulo, Brazil, is the region’s major healthcare sector event and represents the chance for healthcare providers in Latin America to view the latest examples of medical technology in person.

The companies exhibiting from the UK are Owen Mumford, Huntleigh Healthcare, Maltron and Flexicare.

Owen Mumford, from Oxfordshire, designs and manufactures drug delivery devices, diagnostic screening devices, and home use and single use safety lancets. On display at Hospitalar will be the Unistik 2 range of single use lancets with automatic needle retraction to prevent needle stick injuries.

Huntleigh, based in Bedfordshire, are leading innovators of compression systems, support surface technology and patient management equipment. Delegates at Hospitalar can see their vital signs monitors, Flowtron DVT pump, the Alpha Trancell pressure-relieving mattress and handheld Dopplers.

Among other innovations, Essex-based Maltron, will be exhibiting their PulmonaryScan – the world's first non-invasive, bedside diagnostic and monitoring imaging system. It provides detailed information of lungsduring the treatment of ventilatory, cardiac and circulatory disorders without the use of ionising radiation.

Whilst Flexicare, based in Wales, specialise in a range of products used by clinicians across the world in resuscitation, breathing systems and urology, which South American health experts will see demonstrated at first-hand.

The UK companies’ participation in the region’s premier showcase of healthcare technology has been arranged by the Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI) and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), the government organisation that helps connect overseas markets to UK companies.

Lila Webley, Head of International Business at the ABHI said,

‘UK companies are keen to collaborate with companies in South America and Hospitalar is an ideal meeting place to do this. Visitors to the show should visit the ABHI pavilion in the Green Hall to see leading edge technology - the ABHI stand can be found at Rua E 13-A.’

John Wilkinson, Director General of the ABHI said,

‘British medical device technology enjoys a world-renowned reputation. In fact, British innovations are often so popular that international markets snap them up even before domestic healthcare providers can introduce them.

‘Hospitalar will hopefully see partnerships develop.’

Ends

Notes to editors

  • The Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI) is the lead trade association for the medical systems industry. This sector comprises not only manufacturers of medical devices, equipment and consumables, but also service companies, distributors, professional groups (such as architects and lawyers), and other suppliers to the medical community.
  • The role of the Association is to:
    1.Advance and promote medical systems (devices, equipment, technologies and services) within the UK and globally.
    2.Provide a forum for policy discussion with the industry's customers, legislators, public bodies and interested groups.
  • For more information on the UK healthcare technology companies on display at Hospitalar, contact the International Department of the ABHI on 020 7787 3060.

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