Press Release – December 2011
H&R Healthcare have been appointed as UK & Ireland distributor for APA Parafricta Ltd.
APA Parafricta Ltd are delighted to announce that, as of the 1st December 2011, H&R Healthcare will distribute the Parafricta® range of products in the U.K. and Ireland.
The Parafricta® range provides an innovative and highly cost effective solution addressing the issue of pressure ulcers which are estimated to cost the NHS up to £4bn per annum. Parafricta® products also provide an excellent healing environment so that dressings can function more effectively, and enables them to remain in place for longer thus providing superior value to the healthcare system.
With Drug Tariff (reimbursement) status recently secured, the partnership with H&R Healthcare will increase awareness and drive the introduction of Parafricta® products in both acute (hospital) and secondary care (home care and nursing homes).
The Parafricta® Pf Fragile Skin Protection System™
The Parafricta® range is indicated for the prevention and treatment of skin breakdown due to friction and shear, and includes:
- Parafricta® Bootees*
- Parafricta® Undergarments*
- Parafricta® Single Fitted Bedsheet
- Parafricta® Single Mobility Assist Bedsheet
- Parafricta® Pillowcase
* Listed in Part IX of the NHS Drug Tariff
Parafricta® is aiming to become the leading brand for low-friction fabric in the medical healthcare sector.
George Sampson, CEO of APA Parafricta, commented “when promoting an innovative technology – such as Parafricta® - it is vitally important to have the right partner to introduce the benefits effectively to clinical and procurement staff. H&R fits the bill selling a strong portfolio of wound care products that are unique in their actions and benefits. The 20-strong sales and marketing team have good relationships with wound care specialists across community and secondary care. H&R pride themselves on experienced staff and educational activities which are pivotal to successfully introducing new technologies. Parafricta will continue to generate clinical and health economic data to support the widespread adoption of Parafricta throughout the NHS.
Mike Hoskins, MD of H&R Healthcare, commented “…H&R have established a reputation for supplying innovative products from around the world that offer superior value to the NHS. We are very proud to partner with Parafricta whose products fit our criteria perfectly and to which we believe we can add value through our extensive sales and marketing network. We are committed to increase our specialist clinical staff across the country in support of this range which we believe has great potential, as already evidenced by the growing number of key opinion leaders who already use the range.
The high-tech, space age Parafricta® material helps protect skin and underlying tissue from breakdown which can cause pressure ulcers. The specialist material is used in undergarments, protective bootees, pillow cases, sheets, and a range of other products NHS initiatives such as ‘No Needless Skin Breakdown’ and ‘Zero Tolerance’ of pressure ulcers programmes have shown the need for such interventions. Parafricta® protects patients, improves quality of life and reduces cost.
It is a priority for Health authorities in the UK try to prevent pressure ulcers due to the huge financial burden they place on the NHS as well as their impact on patients quality of life. These problems will increase in line with UK demographic changes and an ageing population.
Maureen Coleman, Chairman of APA Parafricta Ltd, said “The addition of a highly respected organisation such as H&R as our UK partner will help rapidly disseminate the Parafricta® products through the NHS, and promote a cost-effective solution that brings comfort and benefit to vulnerable patients.”