Vernacare seals £10m deal to supply China hospitals
BOLTON-based medical products manufacturer Vernacare has signed a memorandum of understanding with Sinophi Healthcare which will deliver £10m worth of business to hospitals in China.
Vernacare signed the agreement during a week-long visit to China led by Chancellor George Osborne and Commercial Secretary to the Treasury Lord O’Neill of Gatley.
Sinophi is a UK company, which invests in and owns hospitals in China, and is looking to reduce the risk of infection in its hospitals by using Vernacare’s hygienic single-use system for patient toileting and washing.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Emma Sheldon, Vernacare’s group marketing director, said: “Sinophi Healthcare is a shining example of a forward-thinking business that is bringing to life the Chinese Government’s bold vision for a world-class healthcare system.
“The Vernacare system, and the significant benefits it has already achieved in helping to improve infection prevention for hospitals and patients worldwide, is a perfect fit for the vision Sinophi have for improving healthcare in China. Our partnership with Sinophi is the highlight of a very special trip to China in the presence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, government ministers and leading British exporters.”
Lord O’Neill witnessed the signing in Shanghai. At the ceremony he noted the many opportunities for Vernacare and other UK healthcare companies to grow their exports and their businesses in China and he highlighted the growing UK-China cooperation in the major global challenge of reducing AMR (antimicrobial resistance).
Osborne said: “I want the UK to forge much closer economic links with China and that means being ambitious enough to help to deliver record levels of investment and trade in both directions. That is why I travelled to China this week with a huge Ministerial and business delegation, ensuring that the British companies with us had fantastic opportunity to explore new markets and to make vital contacts. Our aim is to make China the UK’s second largest trading partner and British firms have a massive opportunity to benefit.”
The Vernacare system of infection prevention reduces the risk of cross infection when toileting and washing immobile patients and is considered the gold standard globally.
It is used by 96% of NHS hospitals and healthcare facilities in 48 countries, including Vernacare’s newest market of Singapore, where the company has already achieved a leading market share.
