2019 in brief
Successful first
Capital Markets Day
March
About 50 financial analysts, investors and media representatives participated in Arjo’s first Capital Markets Day in Malmö. In addition to an update on the Arjo 2020 business plan, participants gained insight into Arjo’s products and solutions, as well as learned more about the growing challenges with dementia – a key focus area for Arjo.
Major medical beds and
therapeutic surfaces order in the US
April
Arjo has entered a collaboration with Kindred Healthcare LLC in Louisville, Kentucky, to improve quality of care and patient outcomes, as well as enhance efficiency within Kindred hospitals. The order comprises a delivery of more than 2,300 beds and therapeutic surfaces, as well as training of Kindred’s staff. The goal of the partnership is to improve ergonomics, comfort, safety and infection control, and to simplify patient care. The partnership also includes a service agreement for the products.
Partnership strengthens
Arjo in Asia Pacific
April
Arjo’s subsidiary in Australia and New Zealand initiated a partnership with Bruin Biometrics (BBI) to develop a system for pressure injury prevention. The solution comprises a scanner from BBI and includes special beds, therapeutic mattresses, and solutions for patient transfers from Arjo. The partnership is the result of a previously successful collaboration between BBI and Arjo UK and Ireland.
Subsidiary in UK receives innovation award
May
Huntleigh Diagnostics was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise 2019 in the Innovation category for its new series of Digital Handheld Dopplers. The product allows clinicians to clearly see vascular waveforms as well as hear digital audio sounds. Huntleigh is a subsidiary of Arjo and its center in Cardiff, Wales has become an important innovation hub and platform for the Group’s VTE and pressure injury solutions.
Arjo participates in key forum on dementia challenges
May
Dementia Forum X 2019 was organized by Swedish Care International at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, with Arjo as one of the partners. Joacim Lindoff, President & CEO, commented on the event:
“Dementia is a large and growing challenge for healthcare and there is currently no cure. Dementia Forum X is an opportunity for us to take part in discussions with leading stakeholders on the global dementia challenge and to create a framework for future dementia care.”
Accreditation creates value in dementia care
May
Sara Stedy™, Sara® Flex and Carendo® were accredited for their dementia-friendly product design by the Dementia Service Development Centre (DSDC) at Stirling University, Scotland. DSDC is an international center of knowledge that works to improve the quality of life and safety for people living with dementia, based on research and practice from all over the world.
Investment in US company strengthens offering
July
Arjo has made a significant investment in Silicon Valley-based Atlas Lift Tech. Atlas uses Lift Coaches and an innovative software platform to help healthcare providers drive programs that provide better and safer patient handling and mobility programs. The partnership creates a strong platform that offers a unique, full-coverage solution for the US market. The goal is to reduce injury among healthcare professionals, improve quality of care and to increase customer efficiency.
Arjo Locate™ enhances efficiency at UK hospitals
August
The Arjo Locate™ software helps healthcare staff locate the equipment they need – when they need it. A pilot project is being conducted at the emergency department at Stepping Hill Hospital, near Manchester, to support staff in locating various medical devices.
Arjo introduces WoundExpress™
September
Arjo enters the wound-care market with a patented and groundbreaking treatment of venous leg ulcers. WoundExpress was initially launched in the UK market, with plans for continued expansion. The solution has been EU-certified and work to gain approval for the North American market is in progress. WoundExpress complements the current portfolios within VTE and pressure injury prevention.
Launch of new solution in pressure injury prevention
October
With the launch of the Auralis™ Alternating Pressure System, Arjo strengthens its pressure injury prevention (PIP) portfolio. Auralis is an innovative product developed for patients with limited mobility and sensitive skin, either at high risk of developing pressure injuries or those already having sustained one. Auralis works both when the patient is lying and sitting, and automatically adjusts to a suitable pressure.
MDR audit completed with favorable results
November
Arjo has undergone a successful audit to evaluate whether the company complies with the EU’s new regulation for medical devices, MDR (Medical Device Regulation). MDR will enter into force in May 2020 and Arjo is now awaiting certification. MDR was introduced in 2017 and stipulates that medical devices must have more comprehensive clinical information and more stringent controls after they are released on the market.
Production units MDSAP-certified
December
Two of Arjo’s factories – in Suzhou, China, and Poznan, Poland – were recommended for certification under the Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP). The MDSAP allows manufacturers of medical devices to receive certification that covers the requirements for the US, Japan, Canada, Australia and Brazil in a single audit. The certification is strategically important for Arjo because it replaces individual routine inspections by the authorities.
