ConvaTec, a Leader in Antimicrobial Dressings and Infection Management, to Host Live International Webcast on Minimizing Risk of Wound Infections

Clinicians and researchers to review latest data underscoring the impact of evidence-based dressings slowing the risk of infection that threatens millions of patients each year

SKILLMAN, NJ (September 6, 2012) - ConvaTec, a world-leading developer of innovative medical technologies for community and hospital care, including the only antimicrobial ionic silver Hydrofiber^® Technology wound dressing, today announced that it will host a live international webcast on the global problem of wound infections and the steps that hospitals and clinicians can take to help reduce the risk to patients. The webcast will feature presentations by leaders in wound care who will review the latest data on the growing prevalence and impact associated with dangerous wound infections around the world. The webinar will be held at 1:00 PM EDT on Thursday, September 27, 2012 from the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC.

According to the World Health Organization, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are now the most frequent adverse events in healthcare worldwide.¹ Each year, 90,000 Americans die from HAIs and the cost to our health care system is $26 billion each year.² With the increase in the incidence and prevalence of HAIs across all care settings and wound types, governments and payor organizations are implementing new programs in an effort to reduce the risk of HAIs. In addition, requirements related to public reporting of infection rates, non-reimbursement for HAIs, and new protocols for risk aversion are making HAI prevention a major focus of healthcare in the U.S. and in many other countries. Increasingly, hospitals are planning and implementing a broader range of HAI prevention measures than ever before.

The webcast will review the challenges associated with both the prevention and treatment of HAIs including those caused by "superbugs" that can be difficult to treat. Recent results of clinical studies will show the effectiveness of the AQUACEL^® family of products against these resistant bacteria, while also emphasizing the positive patient and economic outcomes generated by the use of effective protective and interventional strategies. Presenters will also review best practices using AQUACEL^® brand dressings on specific wound types including those with the highest risk of difficult-to-treat infection including burns, surgical incisions and chronic wounds.

The program will include a review of data and clinical perspectives on wound care from several of the global leaders in the prevention and management of HAIs, including:

Stan Monstrey, MD, PhD, Chairman and Professor, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, University Hospital Gent, Gent, Belgium, will discuss the best practice evidence to help minimize the clinical, cost and patient impact of infection in chronic wounds, surgical wounds and burns.

Joseph A. Karam, MD, Research Fellow, The Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA will present exciting new data showing AQUACEL^® Ag Surgical cover dressing significantly reduced the incidence of surgical site infections associated with total joint arthroplasty.

Philip Bowler, MPhil, BSc, FIBMS, Director, Infection Prevention, Research and Development, ConvaTec Wound Therapies, will present compelling new data on the effectiveness of AQUACEL^® Ag dressings versus other wound dressings available today in killing some of the most common and difficult-to-treat 'superbugs'.

The webinar will include a live question and answer session following the presentation. Participants can pre-register for the webcast and submit a question for the speakers in advance of the live event by logging on to www.convatecevidence.com.

To view the live international webcast on Thursday, September 27, 2012 from the Ronald Reagan Building, please visit: www.convatecevidence.com.

About ConvaTec

ConvaTec is a leading developer and marketer of innovative medical technologies that have helped improve the lives of millions of people worldwide. With four key focus areas - Ostomy Care, Wound Therapeutics, Continence and Critical Care, and Infusion Devices - ConvaTec products support healthcare professionals from the hospital to the community health setting.

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Meeting and speakers sponsored by ConvaTec Inc.
AQUACEL and Hydrofiber are registered trademarks of ConvaTec Inc.

© 2012 ConvaTec Inc.

AP-013038-MM