As it's Christmas,some lively ditties.......
Tuesday 13 December 2011
Tuesday 6 December 2011
UK-PCaSO Prostate Cancer Network (Charity)
I thought I'd highlighted this charity before but maybe not.
PCaSO Issue 37 - November 2011 Newsletter (pdf)
I've also added a link to the PCaSO charity website via the main section found within April 2009! and under GENERAL,UROLOGY and CHARITY WEBSITES and also the last repeat found in November under 'Useful Websites'.
| Welcome to PCaSO |
| PCaSO Prostate Cancer Network is a patient-led Support organisation with Branches covering Dorset, Hampshire and Sussex, whose aims are to improve the diagnosis, treatment, care and support to those affected by prostate cancer. The services it offers are free for men, their families and anyone affected by prostate cancer. PCaSO holds meetings in various centres in the South of England from Bournemouth to Eastbourne. It produces newsletters, has free Information Books and a comprehensive Library. The objectives of PCaSO are:
The link below opens their Newsletter for November 2011 which includes The Mediwatch PSA Bioscan System (PSAwatch) and it's use along with event news and other informative articles.
|
I've also added a link to the PCaSO charity website via the main section found within April 2009! and under GENERAL,UROLOGY and CHARITY WEBSITES and also the last repeat found in November under 'Useful Websites'.
Mediwatch-Newsletter Winter 2011
UK - PSAwatch
• Working closely with Mediwatch’s distributor in France, AVF
Biomédical, Mediwatch has launched the PSAwatch system at the
French annual urology congress in Paris. A clinical trial is ongoing.
• Mediwatch has begun direct marketing of PSAwatch into Germany,
Korea, Hong Kong, Europe, Mexico & China.
• In Turkey Mediwatch will be providing tests for a major government
trial as soon as their funding is available.
• Mediwatch is investigating a potential new PSAwatch trial in Italy,
working with its distributor EBNeuro.
• In the UK, the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust (GFCT) has been using the PSAwatch system in conjunction with laboratory tests at events and clinics across the country in 2011. Over the past few years, the GFCT has raised over £275,000 and conducted over 20,000 free prostate cancer tests across the UK, leading to the early diagnosis of nearly 500 men to date. During this quarter the GFCT has been transitioning from the traditional method of shipping blood samples to a laboratory for testing to using PSAwatch as their standard testing method. This model is being rolled-out nationwide through local prostate charity groups and supported by the GFCT.
• Mediwatch met with two multinational pharmaceutical companies
in Mexico to discuss new trials in 2012 using the PSAwatch system,
following trials in 2010 & 2011.
• A large clinical trial is scheduled to begin at the Royal Hospital in
Melbourne in Australia in early 2012.
• In the UAE Mediwatch is investigating the use of PSAwatch in a
national PSA screening program - Mediwatch’s regional manager is
visiting 10 hospitals in 4 of the 7 Emirates to set up trials for 2012.
UK - Sales
• Mediwatch is introducing a new range of equipment for GI &
Neurology diagnostics (including EMG, EEG, and GI & pH studies),
working in conjunction with EBNeuro. The Mediwatch UK sales
representatives have been trained on these products in
November - December 2011.
• Mediwatch attended 5 exhibitions in the UK in 2011, including the
British Urology Association Society annual meeting in Liverpool.
• This year Mediwatch held two National Sales Meetings to review
operations in the UK, bring new representatives into the direct sales
team and introduce additional products to their portfolio, with very
positive results.
UK - R&D
• The UK product development team has been working on several major projects,including a new advanced ultrasound scanner for bladder volume measurements.
• The hardware and software for Mediwatch’s next-generation urodynamics & anorectal manometry system is being worked on in combination by both the UK and USA product development teams.
Asia & Middle East
• Mediwatch enjoyed a year on year sales increase of 50% across the region, largely due to significant sales growth in Japan, Australia, Korea and Malaysia.
• Dr Philip Stimpson & Anders Pedersen travelled to China to meet
with potential distributors and manufacturers in an effort to expand
Mediwatch’s product range. Training has started in mainland China
where Mediwatch has appointed Newaytec in Beijing to represent
Mediwatch’s complete range of products, which are presently going
through SFDA approvals. In anticipation of approvals they attended
the China Medical Equipment Fair exhibition in Shenzhen, the Chinese Urological Association Annual Meeting in Nanjing (showing all Mediwatch’s products on the Newaytec stand), and held a training workshop in Hong Kong where they have succeeded in appointing S&V Samford as our new distributor.
• Mediwatch joined its Japanese distributor, MC Medical to exhibit at the World Endourology Congress in Kyoto.
• Device Technologies, the Mediwatch distributor in Australia & New Zealand, is having a great year. They have managed to secure Clinic Sensic orders in New Zealand and won their first order for a Colorectal System from St Vincent’s Hospital in Australia.
• Mediwatch will be exhibiting at the Arab Health meeting in Dubai in
January 2012.
Europe
• France - AVF Biomédical had a strong year end sales performance across the range of products, in total increasing by 19% from 2010.
• Germany - Promedia year on year sales increased by 10%.
• Russia - Strong sales throughout 2011 by Infomed were double those from 2010, particularly for the urodynamics range.
• Mediwatch is negotiating with a large European company to buy and license new technology for gastro-intestinal diagnostic applications.
Global
• The Allergan trial using Mediwatch’s Urodyn+ flowmeters was
scheduled to end in 2011 but has been extended and is still
ongoing, with Mediwatch’s equipment being used in hospitals
around the world.
USA - Sales
• In the USA Mediwatch is now enrolled in the government bid
contracting system, allowing Mediwatch to more easily sell to the
large Veterans’ Association and military hospital network. Mediwatch
is also now contracted with several private sector group purchasing
organizations (GPOs), which gives Mediwatch the ability to market and sell to potential customers that are contracted with those GPOs.
• This year Mediwatch attended a total of 20 conferences in the USA.At the American Urology Association (AUA) national congress in Washington DC Mediwatch showed off its complete equipment range on a new exhibition stand. In May 2012 Mediwatch will be attending the AUA in Atlanta Georgia.
• Mediwatch is working with two large distribution companies to use their national sales teams to reach additional markets.
• Mobilewatch continues to expand under the leadership of Adam Silbersweig and Diane Durell, with new customers in Washington state and Florida. A dedicated web portal for Mobilewatch in the USA is being set up to market to customers.
USA - R&D
• Mediwatch’s product development team has several new products
in the pipeline, and is working on EMR (electronic medical records)
connectivity. All of Mediwatch’s past customers are potential targets
for this EMR connectivity upgrade. This ongoing development improves Mediwatch’s present EMR connectivity with additional features and smoother setup. EMR is an enhancement that the marketplace is demanding more and more frequently.
Latin America
• This quarter Mediwatch held discussions with potential new
distributors in Brazil, Peru, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Columbia and
Argentina (in October Mediwatch exhibited at the Argentinian national urology meeting in Buenos Aires).
• Mediwatch is working closely with its Mexican distributor, Endomedica, to extend its share of the PSA testing market. Mediwatch will be training end-users and Endomedica sales staff in Mexico City in December at a hospital that recently purchased two large capital systems.
• Mediwatch’s goal for 2012 is to have strong representation in North, Central and South America, in particular in the above countries.
Canada
• Mediwatch has been setting up a distribution network in Canada,
with representation in British Columbia, Ontario & the Maritimes,
and a regional sales manager based in the USA. Mediwatch are in
negotiations at present for representation in Quebec and other regions to complete sales coverage across the country.
Staff changes in the USA
• Brian Hersh BA, joined as the VP of US operations in August 2011. He has a diverse background in Corporate Finance, Sales & Marketing, Operations and Business Development. Most recently he has used his diverse experience and skill sets to help many companies in the role of Business Consultant and Growth Strategist. His experience in medical laboratory management, pharmaceutical, diagnostic testing, and internet based marketing all bring key skills to Mediwatch.
• Mike Bradley MBA, the newly appointed West Coast Sales Manager,
joins Casey Rosa and Jeff Dannenberg to fill a key gap in Mediwatch’s sales structure. He is working to bring Mediwatch comprehensive coverage over the Western region, in particular strengthening the Californian sales team.
• Adam Silbersweig joined the Mobilewatch management team and brings telesales and diagnostic testing experience to the Mobile team. The Florida office is experimenting with an external sales team,travelling out to visit clients and market the Mobilewatch service.
• Jorge Bracho M.D. has joined the Mediwatch clinical team. He combines clinical expertise for customer support with Latin American sales management.
• Graham Taylor-Jones MEng joins the product development team with a specialty in hardware. Alicia Gardner BA joins the product development team with an emphasis on software. Eddie Johnson has transferred from service to product development, he is focusing on the EMR connectivity project.
Staff changes in the UK
• Colm Croskery FCA B,Comm MBA has transferred to group CFO for
Mediwatch Plc. Colm has been with Mediwatch since July 2007,
initially joining as Operations Manager, becoming a director in
January 2008.
• Peter Griffiths MBA, is the new Mediwatch General Manager of
Operations in the UK. He has an impressive operations background
in high tech regulated sectors, including the media, electronics,
polymer science, Tier 1 aerospace manufacture and more recently
bio-compatible materials for medical device manufacturers. Peter
is working closely with the UK management team to improve the
manufacturing and production process along with improving the
timeline for new product development.
• Howard Brobin has been promoted to UK sales manager. He has
21 years of experience of selling urology and neuro-physiology
equipment, in particular urodynamics systems, into the UK market.
• Working closely with Mediwatch’s distributor in France, AVF
Biomédical, Mediwatch has launched the PSAwatch system at the
French annual urology congress in Paris. A clinical trial is ongoing.
• Mediwatch has begun direct marketing of PSAwatch into Germany,
Korea, Hong Kong, Europe, Mexico & China.
• In Turkey Mediwatch will be providing tests for a major government
trial as soon as their funding is available.
• Mediwatch is investigating a potential new PSAwatch trial in Italy,
working with its distributor EBNeuro.
• In the UK, the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust (GFCT) has been using the PSAwatch system in conjunction with laboratory tests at events and clinics across the country in 2011. Over the past few years, the GFCT has raised over £275,000 and conducted over 20,000 free prostate cancer tests across the UK, leading to the early diagnosis of nearly 500 men to date. During this quarter the GFCT has been transitioning from the traditional method of shipping blood samples to a laboratory for testing to using PSAwatch as their standard testing method. This model is being rolled-out nationwide through local prostate charity groups and supported by the GFCT.
• Mediwatch met with two multinational pharmaceutical companies
in Mexico to discuss new trials in 2012 using the PSAwatch system,
following trials in 2010 & 2011.
• A large clinical trial is scheduled to begin at the Royal Hospital in
Melbourne in Australia in early 2012.
• In the UAE Mediwatch is investigating the use of PSAwatch in a
national PSA screening program - Mediwatch’s regional manager is
visiting 10 hospitals in 4 of the 7 Emirates to set up trials for 2012.
UK - Sales
• Mediwatch is introducing a new range of equipment for GI &
Neurology diagnostics (including EMG, EEG, and GI & pH studies),
working in conjunction with EBNeuro. The Mediwatch UK sales
representatives have been trained on these products in
November - December 2011.
• Mediwatch attended 5 exhibitions in the UK in 2011, including the
British Urology Association Society annual meeting in Liverpool.
• This year Mediwatch held two National Sales Meetings to review
operations in the UK, bring new representatives into the direct sales
team and introduce additional products to their portfolio, with very
positive results.
UK - R&D
• The UK product development team has been working on several major projects,including a new advanced ultrasound scanner for bladder volume measurements.
• The hardware and software for Mediwatch’s next-generation urodynamics & anorectal manometry system is being worked on in combination by both the UK and USA product development teams.
Asia & Middle East
• Mediwatch enjoyed a year on year sales increase of 50% across the region, largely due to significant sales growth in Japan, Australia, Korea and Malaysia.
• Dr Philip Stimpson & Anders Pedersen travelled to China to meet
with potential distributors and manufacturers in an effort to expand
Mediwatch’s product range. Training has started in mainland China
where Mediwatch has appointed Newaytec in Beijing to represent
Mediwatch’s complete range of products, which are presently going
through SFDA approvals. In anticipation of approvals they attended
the China Medical Equipment Fair exhibition in Shenzhen, the Chinese Urological Association Annual Meeting in Nanjing (showing all Mediwatch’s products on the Newaytec stand), and held a training workshop in Hong Kong where they have succeeded in appointing S&V Samford as our new distributor.
• Mediwatch joined its Japanese distributor, MC Medical to exhibit at the World Endourology Congress in Kyoto.
• Device Technologies, the Mediwatch distributor in Australia & New Zealand, is having a great year. They have managed to secure Clinic Sensic orders in New Zealand and won their first order for a Colorectal System from St Vincent’s Hospital in Australia.
• Mediwatch will be exhibiting at the Arab Health meeting in Dubai in
January 2012.
Europe
• France - AVF Biomédical had a strong year end sales performance across the range of products, in total increasing by 19% from 2010.
• Germany - Promedia year on year sales increased by 10%.
• Russia - Strong sales throughout 2011 by Infomed were double those from 2010, particularly for the urodynamics range.
• Mediwatch is negotiating with a large European company to buy and license new technology for gastro-intestinal diagnostic applications.
Global
• The Allergan trial using Mediwatch’s Urodyn+ flowmeters was
scheduled to end in 2011 but has been extended and is still
ongoing, with Mediwatch’s equipment being used in hospitals
around the world.
USA - Sales
• In the USA Mediwatch is now enrolled in the government bid
contracting system, allowing Mediwatch to more easily sell to the
large Veterans’ Association and military hospital network. Mediwatch
is also now contracted with several private sector group purchasing
organizations (GPOs), which gives Mediwatch the ability to market and sell to potential customers that are contracted with those GPOs.
• This year Mediwatch attended a total of 20 conferences in the USA.At the American Urology Association (AUA) national congress in Washington DC Mediwatch showed off its complete equipment range on a new exhibition stand. In May 2012 Mediwatch will be attending the AUA in Atlanta Georgia.
• Mediwatch is working with two large distribution companies to use their national sales teams to reach additional markets.
• Mobilewatch continues to expand under the leadership of Adam Silbersweig and Diane Durell, with new customers in Washington state and Florida. A dedicated web portal for Mobilewatch in the USA is being set up to market to customers.
USA - R&D
• Mediwatch’s product development team has several new products
in the pipeline, and is working on EMR (electronic medical records)
connectivity. All of Mediwatch’s past customers are potential targets
for this EMR connectivity upgrade. This ongoing development improves Mediwatch’s present EMR connectivity with additional features and smoother setup. EMR is an enhancement that the marketplace is demanding more and more frequently.
Latin America
• This quarter Mediwatch held discussions with potential new
distributors in Brazil, Peru, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Columbia and
Argentina (in October Mediwatch exhibited at the Argentinian national urology meeting in Buenos Aires).
• Mediwatch is working closely with its Mexican distributor, Endomedica, to extend its share of the PSA testing market. Mediwatch will be training end-users and Endomedica sales staff in Mexico City in December at a hospital that recently purchased two large capital systems.
• Mediwatch’s goal for 2012 is to have strong representation in North, Central and South America, in particular in the above countries.
Canada
• Mediwatch has been setting up a distribution network in Canada,
with representation in British Columbia, Ontario & the Maritimes,
and a regional sales manager based in the USA. Mediwatch are in
negotiations at present for representation in Quebec and other regions to complete sales coverage across the country.
Staff changes in the USA
• Brian Hersh BA, joined as the VP of US operations in August 2011. He has a diverse background in Corporate Finance, Sales & Marketing, Operations and Business Development. Most recently he has used his diverse experience and skill sets to help many companies in the role of Business Consultant and Growth Strategist. His experience in medical laboratory management, pharmaceutical, diagnostic testing, and internet based marketing all bring key skills to Mediwatch.
• Mike Bradley MBA, the newly appointed West Coast Sales Manager,
joins Casey Rosa and Jeff Dannenberg to fill a key gap in Mediwatch’s sales structure. He is working to bring Mediwatch comprehensive coverage over the Western region, in particular strengthening the Californian sales team.
• Adam Silbersweig joined the Mobilewatch management team and brings telesales and diagnostic testing experience to the Mobile team. The Florida office is experimenting with an external sales team,travelling out to visit clients and market the Mobilewatch service.
• Jorge Bracho M.D. has joined the Mediwatch clinical team. He combines clinical expertise for customer support with Latin American sales management.
• Graham Taylor-Jones MEng joins the product development team with a specialty in hardware. Alicia Gardner BA joins the product development team with an emphasis on software. Eddie Johnson has transferred from service to product development, he is focusing on the EMR connectivity project.
Staff changes in the UK
• Colm Croskery FCA B,Comm MBA has transferred to group CFO for
Mediwatch Plc. Colm has been with Mediwatch since July 2007,
initially joining as Operations Manager, becoming a director in
January 2008.
• Peter Griffiths MBA, is the new Mediwatch General Manager of
Operations in the UK. He has an impressive operations background
in high tech regulated sectors, including the media, electronics,
polymer science, Tier 1 aerospace manufacture and more recently
bio-compatible materials for medical device manufacturers. Peter
is working closely with the UK management team to improve the
manufacturing and production process along with improving the
timeline for new product development.
• Howard Brobin has been promoted to UK sales manager. He has
21 years of experience of selling urology and neuro-physiology
equipment, in particular urodynamics systems, into the UK market.
Friday 2 December 2011
LATEST NEWS AND FUTURE EVENTS
Latest News/Website Updates
Repaired the broken link to 'PROSTaid' and added PCaSO to the charity site page.
Renal And Urology News-December 2011 Edition
Urology Times-November 2011 EditionMediwatch Positions/Jobs
Mediwatch Training Courses
Three new workshops announced for 2012:
Urodynamics Workshop WPB Date 11,12 Feb 2012 Deadline 27 Jan
ARM Workshop Boston Date 13th Apr 2012 Deadline 23rd Mar
Urodynamics Workshop WPB Date 13,14 Oct 2012 Deadline 28 Sep
Future Events Events where Mediwatch are attending/exhibiting will be marked as so or updated,hopefully before the event is finished.More Events to add later
STUFF THAT MAYBE DID BUT NOW DOESN'T FIT IN WITH THE TITLE...
Staffordshire University Honorary Doctors 2011-Philip Stimpson-July 2011
Directors' Shareholdings-Issued 28th July
Interim Results for the six months to 30 April 2011-This copy 28th July (RNS-26th July)
Mediwatch-Annual Report-Issued 24th March 2011
Mediwatch-Final Results for year ended 31 October 2010-Issued 27th January 2011
Mediwatch USA Inc. Awarded US General Service Administration Federal Supply Schedule Contract 14th December
OEM Partnership with ACON Laboratories 1st November
Website Update (Aug)-Mobile Watch
Interim Results
Mediwatch Newsletter-July 2010 Edition
OEM Partnership with Thought Technology Ltd Mediwatch-14th June
Distribution Agreement with GE Healthcare Mediwatch-8th June
Tuesday 22 November 2011
UK-Prostate Awareness Road shows
This is from the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust which has been mentioned before on this blog and I hope they along with Mediwatch are okay about me highlighting this below along with a link at BOP for the full manual
Prostate Awareness Road shows
Including Point Of Care Testing
Event Guidance Manual
First Prepared: August 2011
Guidance Manual
Contents
• Introduction
• Background
• How To Get Started
• How To Run Ongoing Road Shows
• Post Road Show Activities
• Conclusion
• Appendices
This manual has been developed as a guide to groups putting on
Prostate Health Awareness road shows including PSA tests using the
Mediwatch PSA watch Bioscan which is designed to give an “indicative” PSA score within ten minutes of the sample being processed. By definition this manual is embryonic and user’s feedback will be much appreciated.
Background
The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust was formed by Graham Fulford
late 2004 having had a very dear friend and a close relative diagnosed with prostate cancer. Sadly both lost their fight against this insidious disease having, like many, been diagnosed too late.
Over the last 7 years the Trust has, working closely with David Baxter
Smith M.A,M.Sc.,B.A.O.,F.R.C.S. Consultant Urological Surgeon and the Kidderminster Prostate Cancer Support Group carried out approaching 18,000 PSA tests all over the country and have found in excess of 422 prostate cancers at the time of writing. During this period the trust has been liaising with Mediwatch to help them refine the accuracy of the testing strips used by their PSA watch point of care Bioscan machine.
The great advantage of using these is not only the speed of response of getting the result (10 minutes as against up to 14 days) but also the flexibility it gives in enabling regular events to be held in local
communities without the need for large halls and very expensive lab machines etc.
This manual is designed to help a launch of using these machines more widely. In effect any “group” having Bioscans and a pool of helpers (particularly people trained in the operation of the Bioscan) can offer a “stand alone” awareness facility. Having used the term “stand alone” it is essential to understand all such groups will have the full support of TGFCT (with the experience gained in holding in excess of 100 events all over the country) David Baxter Smith and the team at Mediwatch.
Please feel free to contact them at any time.
Thursday 10 November 2011
Wednesday 2 November 2011
LATEST NEWS AND FUTURE EVENTS
Latest News/Website Updates
Renal And Urology News-October 2011 Edition
Urology Times-October 2011 EditionMediwatch Positions/Jobs
Sales Representative - Medical Devices
Location: London , South East
Salary: OTE £36K
Date posted: 02/11/2011 20:01
Company: Mediwatch UK Ltd
Contact: Julie Green Ref: Salestarget Job ID: 51998754
Sales Representative – Healthcare – Medical Devices
About the Job
Sales Representative – Urology – Cancer – Ultrasound - GI - Neuro Location, London, Home Counties, up to Leicester. OTE £36,000 + Car and Mileage allowance, Laptop, Mobile Phone.
Mediwatch UK Ltd have a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic experienced Sales Representative to join the team and further expand our sales revenues. You will be based around north London, and spend most of your days in the field finding and closing sales on Urology/Urodynamics/ Ultrasound/GI/Neuro, Cancer testing point of care devices and accompanying consumables.
Selling directly to Secondary care, as well as Charities Private Hospitals, and some Primary care providers, you will be self motivated and have the will to win the business. Full and continuous training on our product range will be provided.
Skills and Experience: Educated to Degree level, or equivalent, Medical Sales or Engineers with Product Support experience.
Hungry, commercially driven, with a will to succeed. Excellent technical ability, including Microsoft based products. Excellent communication skills, A willingness to go beyond the normal. Full Driving License
Current Eligibility to Live and Work in the UK.
Mediwatch Training Courses
Mediwatch USA-Basic Urodynamics Clinicians’ Workshop USA 12th-13th November
Future Events Events where Mediwatch are attending/exhibiting will be marked as so or updated,hopefully before the event is finished.More Events to add later
Walt Disney World Swan Hotel November 3-5, 2011
Mediwatch USA Inc. are exhibiting T19
2011 Annual Meeting Exhibitor List and
Floorplan
Mediwatch USA Inc. are exhibiting T19
STUFF THAT MAYBE DID BUT NOW DOESN'T FIT IN WITH THE TITLE...
Staffordshire University Honorary Doctors 2011-Philip Stimpson-July 2011
Directors' Shareholdings-Issued 28th July
Interim Results for the six months to 30 April 2011-This copy 28th July (RNS-26th July)
Mediwatch-Annual Report-Issued 24th March 2011
Mediwatch-Final Results for year ended 31 October 2010-Issued 27th January 2011
Mediwatch USA Inc. Awarded US General Service Administration Federal Supply Schedule Contract 14th December
OEM Partnership with ACON Laboratories 1st November
Website Update (Aug)-Mobile Watch
Interim Results
Mediwatch Newsletter-July 2010 Edition
OEM Partnership with Thought Technology Ltd Mediwatch-14th June
Distribution Agreement with GE Healthcare Mediwatch-8th June
Tuesday 1 November 2011
Useful Websites (Updated 6th Dec 2011)
This list is taken from the main page found under 'April 2009'
GENERAL/UROLOGY MEDICAL
WEBSITES
PULSE-General Medical Information/News
Prostate Conditions Education Council (PCEC)-USA
British Association of Urological Nurses(BAUN)
EUROCARE
Bladder Disorders
URO TODAY
UROLOGY TIMES
American Urological Association
EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF UROLOGY
NHS-CHOICES
NICE-INDEPENDENT ADVISORY GROUP (UK)
PATIENT UK
MEDICAL NEWS TODAY (UK with global news)
Health and Age
Scottish Practice Nurses Association
Community and District Nurses Association
MEDICAL DAILY
Prostate Cancer InfoLink
University of Florida Shands Cancer Center
European Hospital
UROLOGY,CANCER AND PROSTATE
CANCER SPECIFIC CHARITY WEBSITES
PCaSO-Prostate Cancer Network (UK)
Prostaid (UK)
The Prostate Cancer Foundation-USA
UCARE-UK
THE PROSTATE SCREENING TRUST
Prostate UK
PROSTATE SCOTLAND
American Cancer Society
BRISTOL UROLOGICAL INSTITUTE
Canadian Prostate Cancer Network
CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY
THE PROSTATE CANCER CHARITY (UK)
The Prostate Cancer Charity-Youtube Channel
PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT ASSOCIATION (UK)
CANCER RESEARCH UK
WORLD CANCER RESEARCH FUND
CANCERBACKUP/MACMILLAN (UK)
PROSTATE CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION (UK)
ZERO (USA)
The Cystitis and Overactive Bladder Foundation (UK)
The Bladder and Bowel Foundation (UK)
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia
The Cancer Society of New Zealand
The X Foundation (Raising money for the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation"
MOVEMBER (1st - 30th November 2011)
What is Movember?
Movember is the month formerly known as November, where men and women across the globe join together to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues.
In 2010, over 111,825 UK Mo Bros and Mo Sistas got on board, raising £11.7 million. There were some weird and wonderful moustaches grown throughout the month - check out your Mo photos
And this year, Moustache season is about real men growing real moustaches. And talking about real issues. Face grown, hand brushed, crafted with pride.
Register individually or as a team at www.movember.com
How do Mo Bros and Mo Sistas get involved? On Movember 1st Mo Bros start the month clean shaven, then grow and groom their moustache all month long. There’s lots of ways to get involved whether that be motivating your friends and family to donate and support your efforts, encouraging men to make an annual appointment for a check up or attending a Mo party to celebrate your mo growing achievements. We would like to thank everyone for their incredible support in 2010 - whether it was as a Mo Bro, a Mo Sista or a donor. We would not be able to carry out the work we do and help men and their families without your generosity and assistance.
We look forward to welcoming you back for 2011! For more information about the Movember Foundation
Movember is the month formerly known as November, where men and women across the globe join together to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues.
In 2010, over 111,825 UK Mo Bros and Mo Sistas got on board, raising £11.7 million. There were some weird and wonderful moustaches grown throughout the month - check out your Mo photos
And this year, Moustache season is about real men growing real moustaches. And talking about real issues. Face grown, hand brushed, crafted with pride.
Register individually or as a team at www.movember.comHow do Mo Bros and Mo Sistas get involved? On Movember 1st Mo Bros start the month clean shaven, then grow and groom their moustache all month long. There’s lots of ways to get involved whether that be motivating your friends and family to donate and support your efforts, encouraging men to make an annual appointment for a check up or attending a Mo party to celebrate your mo growing achievements. We would like to thank everyone for their incredible support in 2010 - whether it was as a Mo Bro, a Mo Sista or a donor. We would not be able to carry out the work we do and help men and their families without your generosity and assistance.
We look forward to welcoming you back for 2011! For more information about the Movember Foundation
Monday 24 October 2011
Monday 17 October 2011
Sunday 9 October 2011
PSA Test-Debate in the USA..again!
Rather than post full articles relating to the draft recommendations by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
I'll post brief parts with links.
It must be remembered that as yet nothing has changed in the US:
Screening for Prostate Cancer: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement
DRAFT
Summary of Recommendation and Evidence
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based screening for prostate cancer. This is a grade D recommendation. This recommendation applies to men in the U.S. population that do not have symptoms that are highly suspicious for prostate cancer, regardless of age, race, or family history. The Task Force did not evaluate the use of the PSA test as part of a diagnostic strategy in men with symptoms that are highly suspicious for prostate cancer. This recommendation also does not consider the use of the PSA test for surveillance after diagnosis and/or treatment of prostate cancer.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement
U.S. Panel Says No to Prostate Screening for Healthy Men
Healthy men should no longer receive a P.S.A. blood test to screen for prostate cancer because the test does not save lives over all and often leads to more tests and treatments that needlessly cause pain, impotence and incontinence in many, a key government health panel has decided.
The draft recommendation, by the United States Preventive Services Task Force and due for official release next week, is based on the results of five well-controlled clinical trials and could substantially change the care given to men 50 and older. There are 44 million such men in the United States, and 33 million of them have already had a P.S.A. test — sometimes without their knowledge — during routine physicals.
The rest of the links are from medical websites/blogs:
AUA RESPONDS TO NEW RECOMMENDATIONS ON PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 07, 2011
The American Urological Association (AUA) today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force draft recommendations on the use of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. The statement is attributed to AUA President Sushil S. Lacy, MD: The American Urological Association (AUA) applauds the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for its interest in reviewing the use of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. However, we are concerned that the Task Force’s recommendations will ultimately do more harm than good to the many men at risk for prostate cancer both here in the United States and around the world. The AUA’s current clinical recommendations support the use of the PSA test, and it is our feeling that, when interpreted appropriately, the PSA test provides important information in the diagnosis, pre-treatment staging or risk assessment and monitoring of prostate cancer patients.
AUA RESPONDS TO NEW RECOMMENDATIONS ON PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING
Poor science underlies the USPSTF recommendation about PSA-based screening
Posted on October 8, 2011 by Sitemaster
Whatever we may think individually about the recent decision by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to recommend against the use of PSA testing as a means of “screening” for risk of prostate cancer, we would be wise to understand that at the heart of this decision is poor science. The “New” Prostate Cancer InfoLink
USPSTF “forced” to release PSA recommendations earlier than expected
Posted on October 7, 2011 by Sitemaster
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) — after previously stating that it would be releasing its new recommendations about PSA testing for risk of prostate cancer on Tuesday next week — has been pressured (by a variety of organizations, and by the media) to release its draft recommendation today. The “New” Prostate Cancer InfoLink
Screening for Prostate Cancer: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement
DRAFT
Summary of Recommendation and Evidence
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based screening for prostate cancer. This is a grade D recommendation. This recommendation applies to men in the U.S. population that do not have symptoms that are highly suspicious for prostate cancer, regardless of age, race, or family history. The Task Force did not evaluate the use of the PSA test as part of a diagnostic strategy in men with symptoms that are highly suspicious for prostate cancer. This recommendation also does not consider the use of the PSA test for surveillance after diagnosis and/or treatment of prostate cancer.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement
U.S. Panel Says No to Prostate Screening for Healthy Men
Healthy men should no longer receive a P.S.A. blood test to screen for prostate cancer because the test does not save lives over all and often leads to more tests and treatments that needlessly cause pain, impotence and incontinence in many, a key government health panel has decided.
The draft recommendation, by the United States Preventive Services Task Force and due for official release next week, is based on the results of five well-controlled clinical trials and could substantially change the care given to men 50 and older. There are 44 million such men in the United States, and 33 million of them have already had a P.S.A. test — sometimes without their knowledge — during routine physicals.
The rest of the links are from medical websites/blogs:
AUA RESPONDS TO NEW RECOMMENDATIONS ON PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 07, 2011
The American Urological Association (AUA) today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force draft recommendations on the use of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. The statement is attributed to AUA President Sushil S. Lacy, MD: The American Urological Association (AUA) applauds the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for its interest in reviewing the use of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. However, we are concerned that the Task Force’s recommendations will ultimately do more harm than good to the many men at risk for prostate cancer both here in the United States and around the world. The AUA’s current clinical recommendations support the use of the PSA test, and it is our feeling that, when interpreted appropriately, the PSA test provides important information in the diagnosis, pre-treatment staging or risk assessment and monitoring of prostate cancer patients.
AUA RESPONDS TO NEW RECOMMENDATIONS ON PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING
Poor science underlies the USPSTF recommendation about PSA-based screening
Posted on October 8, 2011 by Sitemaster
Whatever we may think individually about the recent decision by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to recommend against the use of PSA testing as a means of “screening” for risk of prostate cancer, we would be wise to understand that at the heart of this decision is poor science. The “New” Prostate Cancer InfoLink
USPSTF “forced” to release PSA recommendations earlier than expected
Posted on October 7, 2011 by Sitemaster
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) — after previously stating that it would be releasing its new recommendations about PSA testing for risk of prostate cancer on Tuesday next week — has been pressured (by a variety of organizations, and by the media) to release its draft recommendation today. The “New” Prostate Cancer InfoLink
Tuesday 4 October 2011
LATEST NEWS AND FUTURE EVENTS(Updated 13th October)
Latest News/Website Updates
Renal And Urology News-September 2011 Edition Urology Times-October 2011 Edition
Urology Times-September 2011 Edition
Urology Times-August 2011 EditionMediwatch Positions/Jobs
Clinical Nurse Specialist
About the Job
Clinical Nurse Specialist required to set up and run a series of clinical trials on a point of care test. This will initially be a part time role but could lead to a full time position in the next 6 months. Opportunity to travel to support and train customers in the UK and Europe initially.
Must have a degree in Biochemistry, management experience, be trained in phlebotomy and have experience of working with point of care testing. The right candidate will have a specialist nurse background, sales and training experience and be capable of project managing clinical trials.
You will be well organised, have good adminstration skills and flexibility to meet the needs of the business. This will initially be a part time role but could lead to a full time position within 6 months.
Field Service Engineer
About the Job
Mediwatch UK Ltd designs, manufactures and sells high tech medical equipment to the NHS and private customers worldwide. A Field Service Engineer is required to carry out maintenance visits to our UK customer base.
Based at our offices in Rugby you will also carry out diagnostics and repairs to equipment returned to base. Reporting to the UK and Ireland Sales Manager you will be able to prioritise and respond to our customers needs. Experience in a similar role is essential and you should have excellent skills in repairing and programming computers.
You must be eligible to work in the UK and hold a clean, current UK driving license. There may be some weekend work required and you may also be asked to attend and support exhibitions in the UK and Europe.
Mediwatch Training Courses
Future Events Events where Mediwatch are attending/exhibiting will be marked as so or updated,hopefully before the event is finished.More Events to add later
Walt Disney World Swan Hotel November 3-5, 2011
Mediwatch USA Inc. are exhibiting T19
2011 Annual Meeting Exhibitor List and
Floorplan
Mediwatch USA Inc. are exhibiting T19
STUFF THAT MAYBE DID BUT NOW DOESN'T FIT IN WITH THE TITLE...
Directors' Shareholdings-Issued 28th July
Interim Results for the six months to 30 April 2011-This copy 28th July (RNS-26th July)
Mediwatch-Annual Report-Issued 24th March 2011
Mediwatch-Final Results for year ended 31 October 2010-Issued 27th January 2011
Mediwatch USA Inc. Awarded US General Service Administration Federal Supply Schedule Contract 14th December
OEM Partnership with ACON Laboratories 1st November
Website Update (Aug)-Mobile Watch
Interim Results
Mediwatch Newsletter-July 2010 Edition
OEM Partnership with Thought Technology Ltd Mediwatch-14th June
Distribution Agreement with GE Healthcare Mediwatch-8th June
Wednesday 28 September 2011
4 Bioscanners Donated (1st September 2011)
The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust
We are very pleased to announce that the first four scanners to be donated by the Charity have gone to Chorleywood and Hereford. Together with the consumables donated along with the scanners this first donations means that 200 tests can be carried out in each area.
Further donations are planned over the next few weeks for:
Olney
Crewe
Stourbridge
Cumbria
Tranmere &
Warwick
This will represent a total investment to date of some £25,600. Graham hopes to have established 20 support groups offering the facility by the middle of 2012 with target of 25,000 PSA tests to be conducted over the year. Graham said “We generally find 25 cancers for every 1000 tests conducted and have so far helped find some 450 cancers alongside numerous other prostate conditions that may simply require medication”.
4 Bioscanners Donated
We are very pleased to announce that the first four scanners to be donated by the Charity have gone to Chorleywood and Hereford. Together with the consumables donated along with the scanners this first donations means that 200 tests can be carried out in each area.
Further donations are planned over the next few weeks for:
Olney
Crewe
Stourbridge
Cumbria
Tranmere &
Warwick
This will represent a total investment to date of some £25,600. Graham hopes to have established 20 support groups offering the facility by the middle of 2012 with target of 25,000 PSA tests to be conducted over the year. Graham said “We generally find 25 cancers for every 1000 tests conducted and have so far helped find some 450 cancers alongside numerous other prostate conditions that may simply require medication”.
4 Bioscanners Donated
Our First Mediwatch Test Sessions 31/08/11
The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust
The charity has recently carried out two highly successful pilot testing sessions utilising the very latest Mediwatch PSA Watch Bioscanners.
These new scanners allow us to process blood samples and provide results in under 15 minutes. The first sessions were held in Warwick and Rugby with 36 men tested at each venue. Graham Fulford said, “We were absolutely delighted with success of both events and feedback from those attending was generally excellent. With any new technology there are bound to be a few teething issues which have since been resolved and we are looking forward to rolling out a national programme of events via local support groups throughout 2012”
The great advantage of the MediWatch Bioscan system is not only the speed with which results can be made available but as the system is small and flexible it enables the holding of many more smaller events in each area. The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust
The charity has recently carried out two highly successful pilot testing sessions utilising the very latest Mediwatch PSA Watch Bioscanners.
These new scanners allow us to process blood samples and provide results in under 15 minutes. The first sessions were held in Warwick and Rugby with 36 men tested at each venue. Graham Fulford said, “We were absolutely delighted with success of both events and feedback from those attending was generally excellent. With any new technology there are bound to be a few teething issues which have since been resolved and we are looking forward to rolling out a national programme of events via local support groups throughout 2012”
The great advantage of the MediWatch Bioscan system is not only the speed with which results can be made available but as the system is small and flexible it enables the holding of many more smaller events in each area. The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust
Wednesday 21 September 2011
Thursday 15 September 2011
(UK) Free prostate checks in Winsford
As far as I am aware there is only one Bioscan linked with PSA testing in 10 minutes and that is a PSAwatch cassette which is then read by the Bioscan.
Tuesday 13th September 2011
MEN over the age of 50 are being urged to get their prostate checked at a special, organised event taking place in Winsford next week.
Gary Steele, Winsford resident and campaigner for better prostate care, has arranged for the event to go ahead in a bid to educate more men and alleviate the fears associated with checking prostate cancer.
The event, to be held at Winsford Conservative Club, in Ways Green, will give men the opportunity to find out their PSA in just 10 minutes using the latest equipment, called a Bioscan.
Gary, who is also the chairman of Leighton Hospital Prostate Cancer Support Group, said: “The equipment has been used for about two years but it is very sparse – it’s only group like us that are using it at the moment.
“Since we have been doing tests like these more and more men have been turning up, probably because we’re not in a doctors environment.
“The test takes just a couple of minutes and uses a small blood sample taken from the thumb.”
Gary said that an average of eight per cent of men test positive, with 15 per cent recording a borderline score.
“The good side is the fact those men are in the system to be treated or on active surveillance,” he added.
“The Bioscan will provide us with the means to test men anywhere, anytime and may just help to reduce the present high mortality from this type of cancer.”
The session will be held on Thursday, September 22, starting at 11am.
Tuesday 13th September 2011
MEN over the age of 50 are being urged to get their prostate checked at a special, organised event taking place in Winsford next week.
Gary Steele, Winsford resident and campaigner for better prostate care, has arranged for the event to go ahead in a bid to educate more men and alleviate the fears associated with checking prostate cancer.
The event, to be held at Winsford Conservative Club, in Ways Green, will give men the opportunity to find out their PSA in just 10 minutes using the latest equipment, called a Bioscan.
Gary, who is also the chairman of Leighton Hospital Prostate Cancer Support Group, said: “The equipment has been used for about two years but it is very sparse – it’s only group like us that are using it at the moment.
“Since we have been doing tests like these more and more men have been turning up, probably because we’re not in a doctors environment.
“The test takes just a couple of minutes and uses a small blood sample taken from the thumb.”
Gary said that an average of eight per cent of men test positive, with 15 per cent recording a borderline score.
“The good side is the fact those men are in the system to be treated or on active surveillance,” he added.
“The Bioscan will provide us with the means to test men anywhere, anytime and may just help to reduce the present high mortality from this type of cancer.”
The session will be held on Thursday, September 22, starting at 11am.
Friday 2 September 2011
LATEST NEWS AND FUTURE EVENTS
Latest News/Website Updates
Mediwatch Positions/Jobs
Mediwatch Training Courses
Mediwatch USA-Basic Urodynamics Clinicians’ Workshop USA 24th-25th September
Future Events Events where Mediwatch are attending/exhibiting will be marked as so or updated,hopefully before the event is finished.More Events to add later
STUFF THAT MAYBE DID BUT NOW DOESN'T FIT IN WITH THE TITLE...
Directors' Shareholdings-Issued 28th July
Interim Results for the six months to 30 April 2011-This copy 28th July (RNS-26th July)
Mediwatch-Annual Report-Issued 24th March 2011
Mediwatch-Final Results for year ended 31 October 2010-Issued 27th January 2011
Mediwatch USA Inc. Awarded US General Service Administration Federal Supply Schedule Contract 14th December
OEM Partnership with ACON Laboratories 1st November
Website Update (Aug)-Mobile Watch
Interim Results
Mediwatch Newsletter-July 2010 Edition
OEM Partnership with Thought Technology Ltd Mediwatch-14th June
Distribution Agreement with GE Healthcare Mediwatch-8th June
Thursday 25 August 2011
Graham Fulford Charitable Trust
I believe the work of the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust has been mentioned here before and will add a link in the Charity section if they arn't already there....with a few more additions later too.
This is from the beginning of August 2011:
PSA Test Reuslts in Under 10 Minutes!
02/08/11 07:52
The latest ground breaking project is the sponsorship at a cost of £36,000 – of twelve stand alone, ‘point of care’ facilities to be spread all over the UK whereby men will be able to have “on the spot” PSA tests which will give them their PSA score within 10 minutes.
Graham for the charity said “this is a very exciting time for us and we are working very closely with the British manufacturers of this very innovative solution to provide a very high quality service with the caring back up we have striven to provide over the past six years whereby abnormal reading results are followed up”.
He went on to thank David Baxter Smith for his unstinting effort in this area of the charities activities. “It’s all down to him really – without his dedicated support none of this would have been possible. He even gives his home telephone number so that men with any concerns can ring him at home at any time.
He’s a truly remarkable man”
This is from the beginning of August 2011:
PSA Test Reuslts in Under 10 Minutes!
02/08/11 07:52
The latest ground breaking project is the sponsorship at a cost of £36,000 – of twelve stand alone, ‘point of care’ facilities to be spread all over the UK whereby men will be able to have “on the spot” PSA tests which will give them their PSA score within 10 minutes.
Graham for the charity said “this is a very exciting time for us and we are working very closely with the British manufacturers of this very innovative solution to provide a very high quality service with the caring back up we have striven to provide over the past six years whereby abnormal reading results are followed up”.
He went on to thank David Baxter Smith for his unstinting effort in this area of the charities activities. “It’s all down to him really – without his dedicated support none of this would have been possible. He even gives his home telephone number so that men with any concerns can ring him at home at any time.
He’s a truly remarkable man”
Wednesday 24 August 2011
PSAwatch-Update
According to the Glamorgan Urology 'Twitter' page they have been offering the Mediwatch PSAwatch test since July 2011 and possibly the PCA3 test too.
"GlamUrologyGlamorgan Urology
A 10 minute PSA test is now available at Glamorgan Urology - PSAwatch. Contact us for details
6 Jul"
Glamorgan Urology 'Twitter' page
I've added Glamorgan Urology to the PSAwatch-IN ACTION! page which is found via he main section under the month of April 2009!
In that section it can be seen that the Spire Gatwick Park Hospital was added some time ago so encouraging that the Spire Cardiff Hospital is now included too.
"GlamUrologyGlamorgan Urology
A 10 minute PSA test is now available at Glamorgan Urology - PSAwatch. Contact us for details
6 Jul"
Glamorgan Urology 'Twitter' page
I've added Glamorgan Urology to the PSAwatch-IN ACTION! page which is found via he main section under the month of April 2009!
In that section it can be seen that the Spire Gatwick Park Hospital was added some time ago so encouraging that the Spire Cardiff Hospital is now included too.
Tuesday 2 August 2011
Monday 1 August 2011
LATEST NEWS AND FUTURE EVENTS
Latest News/Website Updates
Mediwatch Positions/Jobs
Mediwatch Training Courses
Future Events Events where Mediwatch are attending/exhibiting will be marked as so or updated,hopefully before the event is finished.More Events to add later
12th Australasian Prostate Cancer Conference (3rd-5th Aug)
Western Section of the AUA 87th Annual Meeting(Canada 21st-25th Aug)
28th Congress of the Scandinavian Association of Urology and Urological Nurses(Finland 24th-27th Aug)
41st Annual Meeting of the International Continence Society(UK-Glasgow 29th Aug-2nd Sep)
67th Annual Congress of the Swiss Society of Urology(Switzerland 31st Aug-2nd Sep)STUFF THAT MAYBE DID BUT NOW DOESN'T FIT IN WITH THE TITLE...
Directors' Shareholdings-Issued 28th July
Interim Results for the six months to 30 April 2011-This copy 28th July (RNS-26th July)
Mediwatch-Annual Report-Issued 24th March 2011
Mediwatch-Final Results for year ended 31 October 2010-Issued 27th January 2011
Mediwatch USA Inc. Awarded US General Service Administration Federal Supply Schedule Contract 14th December
OEM Partnership with ACON Laboratories 1st November
Website Update (Aug)-Mobile Watch
Interim Results
Mediwatch Newsletter-July 2010 Edition
OEM Partnership with Thought Technology Ltd Mediwatch-14th June
Distribution Agreement with GE Healthcare Mediwatch-8th June
Friday 29 July 2011
Mediwatch-Directors' Shareholdings
Mediwatch announces that the following Directors have purchased ordinary shares in the Company:
Mediwatch-Directors' Shareholdings
Mediwatch-Directors' Shareholdings
Tuesday 26 July 2011
Interim Results for the six months to 30 April 2011
Highlights
- Increased revenues to £5,095,000 (H1 2010: £4,959,000)
- Maintained EBITDA of £272,000 (H1 2010: £290,000)
- Overheads reduced by 11% compared to H2 2010 as a result of outsourced manufacturing and other cost reduction programmes
- Development programmes reaching completion, reducing the amount of R&D spend
- Commercial launch of PSAwatch underway with the successful transfer of strip production to a new site
- Growth of the Mobilewatch Clinic division in Florida with plans to expand into other states
- Launched Urinewatch system for urinalysis
- Development of new bladder ultrasound platform
Omer Karim, Mediwatch Chairman commented'
"During the first six months the Group has been able to implement cost reduction programmes in production, bring some R&D projects to completion and increase marketing efforts while controlling costs. The Group continues to explore opportunities to build the existing business as well as find additional products to add to its product mix and to broaden its offerings in the service sector."
Editors Notes:
Mediwatch plc: Innovative Diagnostic Solutions
Mediwatch is a leader in its field. The Company is continually striving to develop and market faster, simpler and less invasive diagnostic products to save lives and restore quality of life for people with a variety of urological conditions. Founded in 1995, Mediwatch (www.mediwatch.com) has developed a range of point-of-care medical equipment for the diagnosis of urological disorders.
The business focuses its design skills towards diagnostic products that can be used across the medical profession.
Mediwatch has established excellent foundations for continued growth building on the acquisition and integration of a division of Medtronic Inc in 2006, an international distribution network and its research and development programmes.
Overview
While the world economies are in a recovering process the Group is positioning itself in a strong position to pursue its strategy of being a one-stop provider of urological diagnostic equipment, supplies and now services to the international healthcare markets. Having been able to show steady revenue growth, albeit modest growth, over the past several years, Mediwatch has demonstrated its ability to maintain and increase its customer base. The Group has also been able to develop new technologies, add third party products and launch a service business to increase its offering to the global market. These accomplishments are expected to contribute to the Group's growth in the future.
PSAwatch continues to make good progress. Moving to a new manufacturing site has resulted in a stable supply of test strips. Charitable groups are excited about the point-of-care device and are now planning to use PSAwatch as a PSA measuring device in well-man prostate awareness meetings. This is a very positive development for the product line which management expects will see increasing revenues and exposure.
In the US the Mobilewatch Clinic service is gaining traction. Mobilewatch Clinic service offers medical practitioners who may lack the volume of cases or the recurring patient episodes necessary to justify the capital equipment outlay with an outsourced diagnostic testing service without the need to purchase capital equipment. Multiple sites in the base territory of Florida have been established and the utilisation at these sites is increasing. Opportunities have presented themselves in other states in the US which are being pursued. Other countries are being investigated for the expansion of this business model.
Trading
In the six month period to 30 April 2011, Group turnover was £5,095,000, (H1 2010: £4,959,000). Revenue remained equally split with almost 50% from the US and 50% from Europe and the rest of world (ROW) as it was in the comparative period last year. The product mix experienced during the first half of the 2011 financial year was also similar to that experienced in the first half of 2010.
The Group achieved an EBITDA of £272,000 for the six months to 30 April 2011 (H1 2010: £290,000). As previously reported, gross margins have come under pressure due to increases in component and manufacturing costs and increased industry competition. This has led to a reduction of gross profits by approximately 1% when compared to the second half of 2010. In a concerted effort to improve margins, management are implementing a number of programmes aimed at reducing manufacturing costs. In addition, the Company has been actively pursuing a strategy of reducing overhead expenses over the last six months with the reported level of overheads 11% below that for the second half of 2010. Management expects these savings to continue throughout the rest of the financial year.
UK Operations
Highlights from the UK operations include:
- Implemented a programme to reduce the fixed costs of manufacturing through outsourcing the manufacturing process of several products both in the UK and the US;
- Advancements in the manufacturing process for PSAwatch test strips on the back of moving manufacturing facilities (see Research and Development below);
- Increased sales of Bardscan in H1 of 2011 (£385,000) over H1 2010 (£200,000);
- The UK sales team has significantly increased revenues from urodynamic consumables thus providing a source of consistent revenues to compliment one-off revenues from capital sales; and
- Significant growth in Far East markets occurred in H1 2011.
US Operations
Highlights from the US operations include:
- Execution and continued efforts to secure purchasing agreements with medical buying groups;
- Development of Mobilewatch Clinic services within Florida along with efforts being made to now expand into additional states; and
- The initiation of a programme to begin outsourced manufacturing of certain products in the US, local to the Mediwatch USA office, in an effort to reduce both manufacturing costs and intercontinental shipping costs.
Research and development
Expenditure on research and development, including capitalised costs, was £283,000 (H1 2010: £350,000) during the six months to 30 April 2011. Several capital intensive projects are reaching the commercialisation phase, reducing the amount of capital required, generating revenues and close to contributing to profits. These projects include:
- Mobilewatch - investment in the software development is complete as is the initial investment in capital equipment to get the initial phase underway. This division is serving customers, generating revenue and no-longer consuming cash. Management expects this service to be running on a cash and profits generative basis by the year end;
- PSAwatch - production was successfully transferred to a new outsourced production facility in June 2011. The transfer gives the Group the ability to rapidly scale up production as volumes build. Opportunities are being explored for additional cancer markers to be added to the PSAwatch platform to increase the utilisation of the platforms technology. Clinical trials currently underway include studies in France and Germany. Additionally, trials in the UK, US and Australasia are considering PSAwatch for inclusion in their studies which are expected to commence in the near future. Approvals are being sought for marketing PSAwatch in China and Japan. In addition, we are undertaking a feasibility study to explore the possibilities of both reducing the manufacturing costs of the Bioscan reader and increasing the utility of the reader into other applications; and
- Venus - The Venus brand Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation system has now been completed, launched and is being sold in the US. No additional funds were spent on development of this product in the period.
Other ongoing projects include:
- Development of a new lower cost ultrasound platform requiring minimal resources as it leverages software and other technology utilised in existing products;
- Development of a new diagnostic platform that incorporates urodynamics, ARM, pudendal nerve stimulation, ultrasound and uroflowmetry. This new platform will use industry standard information technology including wireless and networking capabilities; and
- Development of a low cost urodynamic system and software package that is portable and easy to use aimed at the Mobilewatch Clinic business.
Management and employees
The board would like to take this opportunity to thank all employees for their hard work and contribution in achieving the continuing success of the business. We would also like to congratulate Mark Emberton, non-executive Director on being appointed Professor of Urology for Interventional Oncology at University College London Hospital. Further congratulations to Group CEO and President of MediwatchUSA Inc. Philip Stimpson on being awarded a doctorate degree from Staffordshire University for his contribution to research in medical diagnostics.
As from August the 8th Christian Rollins, Finance Director, will be resigning his position to assume a position with a much larger Group in a different market. The Board would like to thank Mr. Rollins for his four and a half years of excellent service, especially his strong contribution towards the transition of the Medtronic Urology division into Mediwatch plc. We wish him every success in the future and with the development of his career. Colm Croskery will replace Mr. Rollins as Group Finance Director. Mr. Croskery (B. Comm, MBA) is a Chartered Accountant with long experience of running large medical companies including his time over the last four years with Mediwatch Plc where he has served as Chief Operating Officer and has been responsible for the daily operations of the Group and the finances of the UK operations.
The Board is taking this opportunity to make the following additional changes within the Group to take advantages of the new direction it intends to take:
- Dr. Marcus Harrison who is currently the Director of Research and Development for Mediwatch Biomedical will be nominated as Chief Operating Officer for the Group. Dr. Harrison holds a Bachelors of Science in Physics, a PhD in Theoretical Physics and has extensive experience in technical, programme and product management positions.
- Brian Hersh has been appointed to Executive Vice President of Mediwatch USA, reporting to the President of US Operations. Mr. Hersh has a degree in Finance, is a candidate for an MBA and brings with him extensive experience in general management, sales & marketing and finance.
These management changes will provide the Group with the infrastructure to progress seamlessly through its growth strategies for the future.
Current trading and outlook
Overall the Company's performance for the first half of 2011 was in line with management's expectations. The Board is pleased to have been able to achieve a modest increase in turnover whilst also taking action to reduce overheads and protect profits and cash flows. Development projects are reaching a phase of commercialisation which requires less capital outlay and are closer to contributing to revenue and profits.
Efforts continue in the US to secure additional umbrella purchasing agreements with buying groups. The addition of several new partnerships to the Government Services Agreement obtained in December of 2010 builds on this exciting potential. These relationships are beginning to deliver sales in the current period that are expected to grow in future periods.
With the Chinese market becoming more consumer orientated, Mediwatch is positioning itself to take advantage of this emerging market. To this end, a distributor has been appointed in Beijing and Hong Kong to represent the Group's products, and a specialist company has been appointed to obtain regulatory approvals for this market which will take from 12 to 18 months. Mediwatch is exhibiting at the Chinese urology congress in October 2011 as part of the pre launch preparations.
In addition to the progress made this year with PSAwatch, the development team continues to work to complete projects related to new urodynamics and ultrasound platforms, which will both increase the range of products offered by the Group and ensure the latest technologies are used to keep the Group's products in the forefront of the range offered in its markets.
During the first six months the Group has been able to implement cost reduction programmes in production, bring some R&D projects to completion and increase marketing efforts while controlling costs. The Group continues to explore opportunities to build the existing business as well as find additional products to add to its product mix and broaden its offerings in the service sector. The Board remain focussed on managing costs and generating revenue and profits and is optimistic for the second half of the 2011 financial year.
Mediwatch Interim Results for the six months to 30 April 2011
- Increased revenues to £5,095,000 (H1 2010: £4,959,000)
- Maintained EBITDA of £272,000 (H1 2010: £290,000)
- Overheads reduced by 11% compared to H2 2010 as a result of outsourced manufacturing and other cost reduction programmes
- Development programmes reaching completion, reducing the amount of R&D spend
- Commercial launch of PSAwatch underway with the successful transfer of strip production to a new site
- Growth of the Mobilewatch Clinic division in Florida with plans to expand into other states
- Launched Urinewatch system for urinalysis
- Development of new bladder ultrasound platform
Omer Karim, Mediwatch Chairman commented'
"During the first six months the Group has been able to implement cost reduction programmes in production, bring some R&D projects to completion and increase marketing efforts while controlling costs. The Group continues to explore opportunities to build the existing business as well as find additional products to add to its product mix and to broaden its offerings in the service sector."
Editors Notes:
Mediwatch plc: Innovative Diagnostic Solutions
Mediwatch is a leader in its field. The Company is continually striving to develop and market faster, simpler and less invasive diagnostic products to save lives and restore quality of life for people with a variety of urological conditions. Founded in 1995, Mediwatch (www.mediwatch.com) has developed a range of point-of-care medical equipment for the diagnosis of urological disorders.
The business focuses its design skills towards diagnostic products that can be used across the medical profession.
Mediwatch has established excellent foundations for continued growth building on the acquisition and integration of a division of Medtronic Inc in 2006, an international distribution network and its research and development programmes.
Overview
While the world economies are in a recovering process the Group is positioning itself in a strong position to pursue its strategy of being a one-stop provider of urological diagnostic equipment, supplies and now services to the international healthcare markets. Having been able to show steady revenue growth, albeit modest growth, over the past several years, Mediwatch has demonstrated its ability to maintain and increase its customer base. The Group has also been able to develop new technologies, add third party products and launch a service business to increase its offering to the global market. These accomplishments are expected to contribute to the Group's growth in the future.
PSAwatch continues to make good progress. Moving to a new manufacturing site has resulted in a stable supply of test strips. Charitable groups are excited about the point-of-care device and are now planning to use PSAwatch as a PSA measuring device in well-man prostate awareness meetings. This is a very positive development for the product line which management expects will see increasing revenues and exposure.
In the US the Mobilewatch Clinic service is gaining traction. Mobilewatch Clinic service offers medical practitioners who may lack the volume of cases or the recurring patient episodes necessary to justify the capital equipment outlay with an outsourced diagnostic testing service without the need to purchase capital equipment. Multiple sites in the base territory of Florida have been established and the utilisation at these sites is increasing. Opportunities have presented themselves in other states in the US which are being pursued. Other countries are being investigated for the expansion of this business model.
Trading
In the six month period to 30 April 2011, Group turnover was £5,095,000, (H1 2010: £4,959,000). Revenue remained equally split with almost 50% from the US and 50% from Europe and the rest of world (ROW) as it was in the comparative period last year. The product mix experienced during the first half of the 2011 financial year was also similar to that experienced in the first half of 2010.
The Group achieved an EBITDA of £272,000 for the six months to 30 April 2011 (H1 2010: £290,000). As previously reported, gross margins have come under pressure due to increases in component and manufacturing costs and increased industry competition. This has led to a reduction of gross profits by approximately 1% when compared to the second half of 2010. In a concerted effort to improve margins, management are implementing a number of programmes aimed at reducing manufacturing costs. In addition, the Company has been actively pursuing a strategy of reducing overhead expenses over the last six months with the reported level of overheads 11% below that for the second half of 2010. Management expects these savings to continue throughout the rest of the financial year.
UK Operations
Highlights from the UK operations include:
- Implemented a programme to reduce the fixed costs of manufacturing through outsourcing the manufacturing process of several products both in the UK and the US;
- Advancements in the manufacturing process for PSAwatch test strips on the back of moving manufacturing facilities (see Research and Development below);
- Increased sales of Bardscan in H1 of 2011 (£385,000) over H1 2010 (£200,000);
- The UK sales team has significantly increased revenues from urodynamic consumables thus providing a source of consistent revenues to compliment one-off revenues from capital sales; and
- Significant growth in Far East markets occurred in H1 2011.
US Operations
Highlights from the US operations include:
- Execution and continued efforts to secure purchasing agreements with medical buying groups;
- Development of Mobilewatch Clinic services within Florida along with efforts being made to now expand into additional states; and
- The initiation of a programme to begin outsourced manufacturing of certain products in the US, local to the Mediwatch USA office, in an effort to reduce both manufacturing costs and intercontinental shipping costs.
Research and development
Expenditure on research and development, including capitalised costs, was £283,000 (H1 2010: £350,000) during the six months to 30 April 2011. Several capital intensive projects are reaching the commercialisation phase, reducing the amount of capital required, generating revenues and close to contributing to profits. These projects include:
- Mobilewatch - investment in the software development is complete as is the initial investment in capital equipment to get the initial phase underway. This division is serving customers, generating revenue and no-longer consuming cash. Management expects this service to be running on a cash and profits generative basis by the year end;
- PSAwatch - production was successfully transferred to a new outsourced production facility in June 2011. The transfer gives the Group the ability to rapidly scale up production as volumes build. Opportunities are being explored for additional cancer markers to be added to the PSAwatch platform to increase the utilisation of the platforms technology. Clinical trials currently underway include studies in France and Germany. Additionally, trials in the UK, US and Australasia are considering PSAwatch for inclusion in their studies which are expected to commence in the near future. Approvals are being sought for marketing PSAwatch in China and Japan. In addition, we are undertaking a feasibility study to explore the possibilities of both reducing the manufacturing costs of the Bioscan reader and increasing the utility of the reader into other applications; and
- Venus - The Venus brand Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation system has now been completed, launched and is being sold in the US. No additional funds were spent on development of this product in the period.
Other ongoing projects include:
- Development of a new lower cost ultrasound platform requiring minimal resources as it leverages software and other technology utilised in existing products;
- Development of a new diagnostic platform that incorporates urodynamics, ARM, pudendal nerve stimulation, ultrasound and uroflowmetry. This new platform will use industry standard information technology including wireless and networking capabilities; and
- Development of a low cost urodynamic system and software package that is portable and easy to use aimed at the Mobilewatch Clinic business.
Management and employees
The board would like to take this opportunity to thank all employees for their hard work and contribution in achieving the continuing success of the business. We would also like to congratulate Mark Emberton, non-executive Director on being appointed Professor of Urology for Interventional Oncology at University College London Hospital. Further congratulations to Group CEO and President of MediwatchUSA Inc. Philip Stimpson on being awarded a doctorate degree from Staffordshire University for his contribution to research in medical diagnostics.
As from August the 8th Christian Rollins, Finance Director, will be resigning his position to assume a position with a much larger Group in a different market. The Board would like to thank Mr. Rollins for his four and a half years of excellent service, especially his strong contribution towards the transition of the Medtronic Urology division into Mediwatch plc. We wish him every success in the future and with the development of his career. Colm Croskery will replace Mr. Rollins as Group Finance Director. Mr. Croskery (B. Comm, MBA) is a Chartered Accountant with long experience of running large medical companies including his time over the last four years with Mediwatch Plc where he has served as Chief Operating Officer and has been responsible for the daily operations of the Group and the finances of the UK operations.
The Board is taking this opportunity to make the following additional changes within the Group to take advantages of the new direction it intends to take:
- Dr. Marcus Harrison who is currently the Director of Research and Development for Mediwatch Biomedical will be nominated as Chief Operating Officer for the Group. Dr. Harrison holds a Bachelors of Science in Physics, a PhD in Theoretical Physics and has extensive experience in technical, programme and product management positions.
- Brian Hersh has been appointed to Executive Vice President of Mediwatch USA, reporting to the President of US Operations. Mr. Hersh has a degree in Finance, is a candidate for an MBA and brings with him extensive experience in general management, sales & marketing and finance.
These management changes will provide the Group with the infrastructure to progress seamlessly through its growth strategies for the future.
Current trading and outlook
Overall the Company's performance for the first half of 2011 was in line with management's expectations. The Board is pleased to have been able to achieve a modest increase in turnover whilst also taking action to reduce overheads and protect profits and cash flows. Development projects are reaching a phase of commercialisation which requires less capital outlay and are closer to contributing to revenue and profits.
Efforts continue in the US to secure additional umbrella purchasing agreements with buying groups. The addition of several new partnerships to the Government Services Agreement obtained in December of 2010 builds on this exciting potential. These relationships are beginning to deliver sales in the current period that are expected to grow in future periods.
With the Chinese market becoming more consumer orientated, Mediwatch is positioning itself to take advantage of this emerging market. To this end, a distributor has been appointed in Beijing and Hong Kong to represent the Group's products, and a specialist company has been appointed to obtain regulatory approvals for this market which will take from 12 to 18 months. Mediwatch is exhibiting at the Chinese urology congress in October 2011 as part of the pre launch preparations.
In addition to the progress made this year with PSAwatch, the development team continues to work to complete projects related to new urodynamics and ultrasound platforms, which will both increase the range of products offered by the Group and ensure the latest technologies are used to keep the Group's products in the forefront of the range offered in its markets.
During the first six months the Group has been able to implement cost reduction programmes in production, bring some R&D projects to completion and increase marketing efforts while controlling costs. The Group continues to explore opportunities to build the existing business as well as find additional products to add to its product mix and broaden its offerings in the service sector. The Board remain focussed on managing costs and generating revenue and profits and is optimistic for the second half of the 2011 financial year.
Mediwatch Interim Results for the six months to 30 April 2011
Saturday 16 July 2011
Urology News-Product Guide 2011/2012
Not sure how official or indeed how effective this guide will be for Mediwatch sales but worth highlighting.Mediwatch are featured throughout the guide with a full page advert on the back page (Page 20)
A bit more information:
"Publisher's Description
The Urology News Product Guide is an annual supplement accompanying the Urology News magazine. It's an informative listing of products available for urology and related fields listed by product type for easy reference."
Urology News-Product Guide 2011/2012
A bit more information:
"Publisher's Description
The Urology News Product Guide is an annual supplement accompanying the Urology News magazine. It's an informative listing of products available for urology and related fields listed by product type for easy reference."
Urology News-Product Guide 2011/2012
Monday 4 July 2011
bobby on his bike-awareness of prostate cancer
Norwich bobby gets on his bike to raise awareness of prostate cancer
A Norwich policeman has pledged to cycle the length of the UK to raise awareness of prostate cancer after seeing his friend battle the disease.
Graham Finney, of George Berrow Road, was inspired to take on the epic Land's End to John O'Groats challenge from Saturday 2 July to Tuesday 12 July in support of his friend, Mark Kenealy, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago when he was just 49 years old.
Graham is hoping that his gruelling ten day journey will not only help to raise awareness of the disease, but a target of £3,000 for The Prostate Cancer Charity along the way.
Graham, who is taking on the challenge unsupported alongside his friend Kevin Hanner, said: "Mark's diagnosis happened so quickly and the way he dealt with it has been amazing. I'd always wanted to do something like this, but Mark's situation really galvanised my commitment to take on this challenge. That and the fact that I am getting old and it won't be long before I won't be able to do it!
"I've always liked cycling, but my job means that I do a lot of travelling in the car. I just don't get the exercise I used to and began to notice I was sitting down more and more. Training for Land's End to John O'Groats though has meant I spend as much time on the bike as possible. I try and do a 50 mile ride on the weekend and 25 miles of an evening. In the winter I did turbo training, which was a bit dull, but now that summer is here, it's great to spend as much time outside as possible."
Kevin, an Operations Manager of City Reach Health Services, added: "With a history of working in frontline health services I can not speak highly enough of the work carried out by The Prostate Cancer Charity and the highly valuable support they provide.
I previously cycled from John O'Groats to Land's End in 2005, but am I keen to see what it looks like going the other way."
To sponsor Graham, visit http://www.justgiving.com/Graham-FINNEY
Sunday 3 July 2011
Tour de France 2011: Millar and Thomas in top four
Early days but....
Scotland's David Millar and Wales' Geraint Thomas are both in the top four after the second stage of the Tour de France on Sunday.
Team Garmin-Cervelo won the 23km team time trial to claim their first Tour de France stage win and put Norway's Thor Hushovd in the leader's yellow jersey.
Millar is second overall, on the same time as team-mate Hushovd, while Cadel Evans of BMC lies one second behind.
Team Sky's Thomas moved up to fourth overall, four seconds off the pace.
Team Garmin-Cervelo recorded a time of 24 minutes, 48 seconds to win the stage by four seconds from BMC Racing and Team Sky.
The British-based Sky outfit had hoped to propel Thomas into the yellow jersey after the 25-year-old's sixth-placed finish on Saturday's opening stage left him only six seconds behind race leader Philippe Gilbert.
The team, which includes Thomas's fellow Olympic track pursuit gold medallist Bradley Wiggins, started quickly and recorded the quickest time of nine minutes, one second at the nine kilometre checkpoint, but were unable to keep up their pace.
"We attacked it like we said we would and it was a great effort by everyone," said Thomas, who retains the white jersey as the best young rider.
"We rode it well. We knew we were up [after the first checkpoint] but it wasn't even a second and we lost two guys quite early.
"We are a bit disappointed as we really wanted to win but Brad [Wiggins] is still up there in the general classification and that's what matters."
Wiggins is 12th in the overall standings and, along with Thomas, just four seconds behind leader Hushovd.
"Today wasn't about egos, it was about the performance of the team," he stated.
"We gained more time on some of the guys and it's been a fantastic start to this year's Tour. G [Geraint Thomas] was hungry and that's the only tinge of disappointment, that he didn't get the [yellow] jersey."
Andy Schleck's Leopard Trek team and Mark Cavendish's HTC-Highroad squad, which was was hampered by losing Bernhard Eisel to a crash early on, were five seconds behind Garmin-Cervelo, with Alberto Contador's Saxo Bank-SunGard squad eighth, 28 seconds behind.
The result means that three-time winner and pre-race favourite Contador is now one minute, 42 seconds adrift of Hushovd but more crucially, he is 1:41 and 1:38 behind Evans and Andy Schleck, who both share the past four runners-up places, respectively.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cycling/14006633.stm
Scotland's David Millar and Wales' Geraint Thomas are both in the top four after the second stage of the Tour de France on Sunday.
Team Garmin-Cervelo won the 23km team time trial to claim their first Tour de France stage win and put Norway's Thor Hushovd in the leader's yellow jersey.
Millar is second overall, on the same time as team-mate Hushovd, while Cadel Evans of BMC lies one second behind.
Team Sky's Thomas moved up to fourth overall, four seconds off the pace.
Team Garmin-Cervelo recorded a time of 24 minutes, 48 seconds to win the stage by four seconds from BMC Racing and Team Sky.
The British-based Sky outfit had hoped to propel Thomas into the yellow jersey after the 25-year-old's sixth-placed finish on Saturday's opening stage left him only six seconds behind race leader Philippe Gilbert.
The team, which includes Thomas's fellow Olympic track pursuit gold medallist Bradley Wiggins, started quickly and recorded the quickest time of nine minutes, one second at the nine kilometre checkpoint, but were unable to keep up their pace.
"We attacked it like we said we would and it was a great effort by everyone," said Thomas, who retains the white jersey as the best young rider.
"We rode it well. We knew we were up [after the first checkpoint] but it wasn't even a second and we lost two guys quite early.
"We are a bit disappointed as we really wanted to win but Brad [Wiggins] is still up there in the general classification and that's what matters."
Wiggins is 12th in the overall standings and, along with Thomas, just four seconds behind leader Hushovd.
"Today wasn't about egos, it was about the performance of the team," he stated.
"We gained more time on some of the guys and it's been a fantastic start to this year's Tour. G [Geraint Thomas] was hungry and that's the only tinge of disappointment, that he didn't get the [yellow] jersey."
Andy Schleck's Leopard Trek team and Mark Cavendish's HTC-Highroad squad, which was was hampered by losing Bernhard Eisel to a crash early on, were five seconds behind Garmin-Cervelo, with Alberto Contador's Saxo Bank-SunGard squad eighth, 28 seconds behind.
The result means that three-time winner and pre-race favourite Contador is now one minute, 42 seconds adrift of Hushovd but more crucially, he is 1:41 and 1:38 behind Evans and Andy Schleck, who both share the past four runners-up places, respectively.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cycling/14006633.stm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)