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Smith & Nephew invests in and signs agreement to distribute disruptive Leaf Healthcare pressure injury technologyLONDON, Feb. 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Smith & Nephew plc (LSE: SN, NYSE: SNN), the global medical technology business, today announces it has taken a strategic investment and signed a distribution agreement with Leaf Healthcare, a developer of a unique wireless patient monitoring system for pressure ulcer/injury prevention. This agreement supports Smith & Nephew's strategic priority to innovate for value by delivering solutions that help healthcare professionals better improve the life of their patients. "Smith & Nephew is focused on providing not just products to treat conditions, but also supporting customers through technologies designed to support prevention as well as treatment," said Glenn Warner, President U.S., Smith & Nephew. "The Leaf Patient Monitoring System is designed to help reduce the risk of developing ulcers/injuries as part of a full clinical protocol, making it highly complementary to Smith & Nephew's existing portfolio in this area such as ALLEVYN Life prophylactic dressings and SECURA skin care products." The Leaf Patient Monitoring System is comprised of a small, lightweight, wearable sensor that wirelessly monitors a patient's position and movement and uses that data to automate and document the management of prescribed turn protocols for patients at risk for ulcers/injuries. Leaf Healthcare is a privately owned California-based business founded by Barrett Larson and Daniel Shen, graduates of the Stanford University School of Medicine. As students at Stanford, they recognized an unmet need for a data-driven, automated solution for patient turning and began working to develop the Leaf Patient Monitoring System. "The benefits of patient turning and improved patient mobility are well recognized, including the potential for shorter hospital stays," said Barrett Larson, MD, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Leaf Healthcare. "Aligning with Smith & Nephew will enable us to make our award-winning technology available to clinicians across the U.S., helping prevent pressure ulcers/injuries to the great benefit of patients and healthcare payers." The Leaf Patient Monitoring System is currently available in the United States where it is in a limited number of hospitals that are seeking to prevent pressure ulcer/injuries in their facilities. This partnership enables this technology to reach a nationwide customer base and is thenext step in using technology to change the standard of care. The Leaf Patient Monitoring System was named most innovative pressure ulcer/injury prevention product in North America 2016 by Frost & Sullivan. The quantum of Smith & Nephew's investment in Leaf Healthcare has not been disclosed. About Smith & Nephew For more information about Smith & Nephew, please visit our website www.smith-nephew.com, follow @SmithNephewplc on Twitter or visit SmithNephewplc on Facebook.com. Forward-looking Statements ™Trademark of Smith & Nephew. Certain marks registered US Patent and Trademark Office.
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/smith--nephew-invests-in-and-signs-agreement-to-distribute-disruptive-leaf-healthcare-pressure-injury-technology-300410976.html SOURCE Smith & Nephew plc |