Equashield Expands into Australia and New Zealand
NORTH RYDE, Australia and AUCKLAND, New Zealand, April 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --
Equashield Partners with REM SYSTEMS to Protect
Australasian Medical Professionals from Hazardous Drug Exposure
Equashield (www.equashield.com), the leading provider of Closed System Transfer Devices (CSTDs) for hazardous drugs, and REM SYSTEMS (www.remsystems.com.au, http://www.remsystems.co.nz), Australasia's premier privately held specialized medical technology distribution company, today announced that REM SYSTEMS will promote, sell and support Equashield's second generation Closed System Transfer Device (CSTD), EQUASHIELD® II, to hospitals and veterinary clinics across Australia and New Zealand.
"We are very pleased to have developed a partnership with REM SYSTEMS, a leading local distributor that has long-standing relationships with hospitals, health clinics, and medical and veterinary practices throughout Australia, New Zealand and the region," said Adi Shor (Shahar), Director of Business Development at Equashield. "Our system provides a critical layer of protection to medical professionals who prepare and administer hazardous drugs, such as chemotherapy. EQUASHIELD® II is the fastest and most intuitive closed system on the market and, by covering more routes of exposure than alternative systems, is the safest too." [Smith S, Czlaczky, M. Syringe plunger contamination by hazardous drugs: A comparative study. Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice 2014]
"We see this as a strategic, long-term relationship with a manufacturer whose technology uniquely complements our existing infusion device portfolio," said Rachael O'Callaghan, General Manager of REM SYSTEMS Australia. "With the addition of Equashield's advanced products, we now provide a comprehensive delivery solution that spans from drug reconstitution to the delivery of the infusion to the patient."
Studies have linked exposure to hazardous drugs to an increase in the risk of adverse health effects in medical professionals [CDC NIOSH Safety Alert. Preventing Occupational Exposure to Antineoplastic and Other Hazardous Drugs in Health Care, p 2. September 2004]. A recent scientific study has also identified syringe plunger contamination as a major route of exposure to hazardous drugs [Smith S, Czlaczky, M. Syringe plunger contamination by hazardous drugs: A comparative study. Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice 2014].
"The adoption rate of closed system in Australia is growing rapidly due to a greater overall awareness of the risks of hazardous drug exposure," added Shor (Shahar). "The growing awareness influences hospital employees to demand better protection, and encourages government bodies to regulate and recommend the use of closed systems like ours."
Such recommendations include guidelines on safe handling of cytotoxic drugs published by the Government of South Australia in 2012. According to these guidelines, "Equipment used for preparing drugs should incorporate closed system drug transfer devices." The document also notes that "studies over the past 10 years have concluded that closed system drug transfer devices can reduce occupational contamination and exposure to cytotoxic drugs in the hospital work environment."
About Equashield
Equashield is a provider of the world's safest Closed System Transfer Devices (CSTD), clinically proven to protect healthcare professionals from hazardous drug and vapor exposure. The company's flagship device, EQUASHIELD® II, is the fastest CSTD to deploy and easiest to use. It is also the only truly closed device on the market, covering more routes of exposure than alternative systems and protecting against exposure to hazardous drug residue on contaminated syringe plungers. For more information, visit the company's website at www.equashield.com. Follow Equashield on Twitter: @equashield.
About REM SYSTEMS
REM SYSTEMS is Australasia's premier privately held specialised medical technology distribution company. Established in 1981, we have developed long standing relationships with our customers, supplying hospitals, health clinics and medical and veterinary practices throughout Australia and New Zealand for over 30 years.
REM SYSTEMS supports Australia and New Zealand's Medical and Veterinary professionals with leading products and technologies that are designed to improve patient outcomes. Our range is comprehensive and touches virtually every department within a hospital and veterinary practice as well as in the home care environment.
Media Contacts:
Finn Partners for Equashield
Ellie Hanson
Ellie@finnpartners.com
Rachael O'Callaghan for REM SYSTEMS Australia
General Manager
rocallaghan@remsystems.com.au
Brenda Forder for REM SYSTEMS New Zealand
Business Manager
bforder@remsystems.co.nz
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