Pulmonetic Systems Presents Contest Winners

Pulmonetic Systems, Colton, Calif, recently announced the winners of its customer photo contest. Respiratory care professionals were invited to share stories about how the Pulmonetic Systems LTV Ventilator has improved their patients’ quality of life.

Stories featured patients of all ages enjoying everyday life, including wagon rides, baths, outdoor activities, or painting. The prize winners were Hubert Montenegro, North Carolina, first place; Ginger Elliott, British Columbia, Canada, second place; Laura Clair Coppage, Alabama, third place; and Reagan Delaney, Arizona, third place.

Cash prizes will be awarded by the health care providers who submitted the photos. (800) 754-1914; www.pulmonetic.com.

Internet Accessible Statistical Services

RNA Medical®, Acton, Mass, recently made raw data submission available to customers through its Internet-based Statistical Services Program. This service is free to all RNA customers, who can submit individual QC points and summary data through the RNA Web site. Features include user-defined SD ranges, printable Levy-Jennings plots, an error detection component, and log reports for entered QC results. Information about maintenance procedures performed may also be documented, and current and historical monthly reports allow for immediate access to statistical information. Conventional data submission formats are also available through the RNA Statistical Services Program. (800) 533-6162; www.RNAMedical.com.

Siemens and VersaMed Announce Distribution Partnership

The Electromedical Division (EM) of Siemens Medical Systems Inc, Danvers, Mass, will partner with VersaMed Inc, Hackensack, NJ, in order to distribute the VersaMed iVent 201 Ventilator to US hospitals.

Because the iVent 201 is designed for low acuity patients, Siemens, which offers a Servo line for mid- to high-range acuity patients, can now service the needs of all patient categories. “We are pleased to offer the iVent 201 to our customer base because it provides patient support in a small, portable package,” says Michael Bunnell, vice president of sales and marketing for EM. “Together with our market-leading Servo ventilators, we can offer a comprehensive choice to the hospital marketplace.”

VersaMed: (800) 475-9239; www.versamed.net. Siemens: (732) 321-4500; www.usa.siemens.com.

Respironics Signs AmeriNet Contract

Respironics Inc, Pittsburgh, Pa, signed a 3-year agreement with AmeriNet stating that Respironics will provide a selection of its ventilation products and accessories for the phase 2 rollout of AmeriNet’s Clinical Services Program for Cardiovascular Services, a disease management program focusing on care for cardiovascular patients.

“We are very pleased to be working with AmeriNet to provide our products for use in its clinical services programs,” says James W. Liken, president and CEO of Respironics. “Our ventilation product offerings for the hospital environment, the Esprit™ Ventilator and BiPAP® Vision™ Ventilatory Support System, offer a unique, cost-effective therapeutic option for the hospital caregiver and patient.” (800) 638-8208; www.respironics.com.

QRS Appoints Director of Business Development

QRS Diagnostic, Plymouth, Minn, recently named Rod Pitre as director of business development. 

During his 30-year career in the health care medical device industry, Pitre has served in top-level marketing, sales, business development, and general management positions for companies including American Hospital Supply Corporation, Hospital Satellite Network, and Devon Industries. He was also a principal business development consultant to Baxter Healthcare, Abbey Home Healthcare, CompuMed, and several start-up businesses. 

Most recently, Pitre was involved in business development projects, including a health care information technology firm and a health care communications start-up. In addition to being a guest instructor at UCLA’s School of Economics, Pitre was a member of the Board of Directors at the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Los Angeles, VNA Home Health Systems, and the Medical Marketing Association, where he is currently an industry advisor. (763) 559-8492; www.QRSdiagnostic.com.

Mallinckrodt Announces New President of Respiratory Group

Forrest R. Whittaker, former president and CEO of Paidos Health Management Services, Deerfield, Ill, recently became president of the Respiratory Group of Mallinckrodt, St Louis. Boston-native Whittaker, 50, earned his bachelor’s degree in international relations from the US Navel Academy, Annapolis, Md, and his MBA in marketing from James Madison University, Harrisburg, Va. He served as president of Baxter Healthcare Corporation’s V. Mueller Division from 1989 to 1993.

“Forrest Whittaker brings more than 20 years of experience in the medical products manufacturing, home health care provider, and service management segments of the health care industry with him to Mallinckrodt,” says C. Ray Holman, chairman and CEO. “We are pleased to add an individual of this caliber to our management team.”

The $1 billion Respiratory Group specializes in pulse oximeters, critical care ventilators, endotracheal and tracheostomy tubes, airway management and patient warming systems, oxygen therapy products, and sleep diagnostic and therapy products. (314) 654-2000; www.mallinckrodt.com.

Resmed Announces Move

ResMed announces the relocation of its San Diego offices to 14040 Danielson Street, Poway, CA 92064. The new telephone number is (858) 746-2400, and the new faxnumber is (858) 746-2900. For more information, call (800) 424-0737 or visit www.resmed.com.

Sunrise Names Mark Ludwig VP of E-commerce and Strategic Marketing

Sunrise Medical, Carlsbad, Calif, recently promoted Mark Ludwig from vice president of customer service and distribution to vice president of e-commerce and strategic marketing. In his new position, Ludwig now has a “more global focus” and heads the company’s global e-commerce planning, operational marketing, and trade show management strategies. 

Ludwig notes that the health care industry’s current trend in e-commerce is a slow, but steady, increase. “There is a tremendous opportunity for expansion,” he says. “The key now is all about learning. [It’s about] how you can drive efficiency through the entire industry.”

After nearly 10 years in Electronic Data Services, Ludwig came to Sunrise on a full-time basis in 1997, where he focused on health care for the first time. “I found it to be the most rewarding segment of business,” he says. “You feel like you’re having some impact on society.” (888) 333-2572; www.sunrisemedical.com.