Kimberly-Clark has signed three group purchasing agreements for its KimVent Oral Care products and Pediatric Microcuff Endotracheal Tube, which will provide specially negotiated pricing and terms for hospitals and care sites within the Premier Healthcare Alliance network. Premier is the nation’s largest health care performance improvement alliance, which includes more than 2,800 U.S. hospitals and 95,000 other sites, according to the organization.
The alliance granted two agreements for KimVent Oral Care products, including one contract within Premier’s Accelerated Supply Chain Endeavor (ASCEND) program, which go into effect August 1, 2013. The Pediatric Microcuff Endotracheal Tube received an additional contract through Premier’s Technology Breakthroughs Program, which recognizes the development of healthcare technology that noticeably improves the safety, quality, process and/or outcome of care for its hospital members, earlier this year.
Designed for nurses by nurses, KimVent 24 Hour Oral Care Kits offers a portfolio of oral care solutions to help maintain protocol compliance and address the risk factors associated with ventilator-associated events. The Pediatric Microcuff Endotracheal Tube, designed specifically for the pediatric anatomy, features a micro-thin cuff that seals at ultra-low pressure reducing the risk of airway trauma. The product is also designed for ideal anatomical cuff placement with a short, cylindrical cuff, anatomically-based intubation depth marks for correct placement, and four precision bands to facilitate and confirm optimal placement.
“Earning this recognition from Premier is a testament to our commitment to delivering world class products and services for respiratory health,” said Joanne Bauer, president of Kimberly-Clark Healthcare. “In addition to being awarded another agreement for our KimVent Oral Care Kits, we are proud that Premier’s hospital members will now have the opportunity to experience the benefits of our Pediatric Microcuff Endotracheal Tube product.”
