Medical Care
Duke Street Completes Acquisitions of ForLife and Trio Healthcare
2024-12-02
Duke Street, a mid-market private equity firm based in London, has been actively involved in the healthcare sector. In 2024 alone, it has made significant acquisitions, with ForLife and Trio being two of its notable ventures. ForLife, founded in Berlin in 1990, designs, develops, and manufactures medical devices and aids with a core focus on stoma care. It was acquired from GHD GesundHeits and includes its development and production center in Berlin, along with the UK distributor Oakmed. Trio, a specialist in stoma care based in Yorkshire, England, offers Genii stoma bags with the unique Sil2 Breathable Silicone Technology. The acquisition of Trio will now make these products available to a broader patient population. Duke Street's investment in ForLife is set to strengthen its product development and significantly increase its distribution capabilities, enabling it to reach more ostomy patients in European markets. This acquisition is Duke Street's second healthcare deal this year, following the acquisition of medical diagnostics service provider Agito Medical in August from Philips. Duke Street's healthcare portfolio also includes Kent Pharmaceuticals, a UK and Irish distributor of specialty generic drugs, which it bought in 2019. With its investments in various sectors such as consumer, healthcare, industrials, and engineering and services, Duke Street is well-positioned to drive growth and innovation in the healthcare industry.

Duke Street's Healthcare Acquisitions: Expanding Reach and Impact

ForLife: A Stoma Care Pioneer

ForLife, with its roots dating back to 1990 in Berlin, has established itself as a leader in stoma care. The company's commitment to designing, developing, and manufacturing high-quality medical devices and aids is evident in its extensive product range. Its acquisition from GHD GesundHeits not only brought in a well-established development and production center in Berlin but also opened up new distribution channels through the UK distributor Oakmed. This acquisition provides ForLife with a stronger foothold in the European market and the opportunity to serve a wider patient population.

The focus on stoma care at ForLife is crucial, as it addresses the needs of patients with stomas due to various medical conditions. The company's expertise in this area allows it to continuously innovate and improve its products, ensuring the best possible care for patients. The acquisition by Duke Street is expected to further fuel ForLife's growth and enable it to invest in research and development to bring even more advanced stoma care solutions to the market.

Trio: Bringing Advanced Stoma Care to Yorkshire

Trio, based in Yorkshire, England, specializes in stoma care and offers unique products like the Genii stoma bags with Sil2 Breathable Silicone Technology. This technology provides patients with enhanced comfort and breathability, addressing a common concern in stoma care. The acquisition of Trio by Duke Street will allow these innovative products to reach a much broader patient population, improving the quality of life for stoma patients across the region.

Yorkshire has a significant number of stoma patients, and Trio's presence in the area will now be enhanced with the support and resources of Duke Street. The acquisition is expected to lead to increased marketing and distribution efforts, ensuring that Trio's products are readily available to those in need. This will not only benefit the patients but also contribute to the overall advancement of stoma care in the region.

Duke Street's Healthcare Strategy

Duke Street's acquisitions of ForLife and Trio demonstrate its strategic approach to the healthcare sector. By investing in companies with a strong focus on specific medical areas, such as stoma care, Duke Street is able to build a diversified healthcare portfolio. These acquisitions provide opportunities for growth through product development, distribution expansion, and market penetration.

The firm's previous acquisitions, such as Kent Pharmaceuticals in 2019, have also contributed to its success in the healthcare industry. With a track record of successful carve-outs and investments, Duke Street is well-equipped to support the growth and development of the acquired companies. Its expertise in private equity and healthcare operations allows it to add value to the businesses it invests in and drive long-term success.

In conclusion, Duke Street's healthcare acquisitions of ForLife and Trio are significant steps in expanding its presence and impact in the industry. These acquisitions bring together companies with complementary strengths and expertise, positioning Duke Street for continued growth and innovation in healthcare.

Florida-based HealthyMD Partners with New Birth Church for Free Health Testing
2024-12-01
In Stonecrest, Georgia, the healthcare landscape is about to witness a significant initiative. Florida-based, Black-owned HealthyMD has joined forces with the esteemed New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and Pastor Dr. Jamal Bryant. This partnership aims to make a substantial impact by providing free health testing in honor of World AIDS Day. The event is taking place at the church located on Woodrow Road and will continue until 2 p.m. with HealthyMD's mobile clinics and their comprehensive free testing services.

Challenges in the Fight Against HIV

HealthyMD has shed light on the sobering reality that nearly 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV. Despite remarkable progress in treating the virus, there remain significant challenges, particularly in underserved communities. As stated in a recent statement, "Black and Brown communities, making up only one-third of the population, account for over half of new HIV cases." This disparity is a cause for concern and highlights the need for targeted efforts. Across the U.S., southern states, including Georgia, have been hard hit. In 2022, nearly half of all new HIV infections occurred in these regions, and in Georgia specifically, the rate of diagnosis was twice the national average. Part of this can be attributed to the facing of disparate healthcare shortages and higher poverty rates.The New Birth-HealthyMD partnership is a crucial step in addressing these issues. By providing free and confidential healthcare testing, they hope to encourage greater awareness and proactive measures in HIV prevention.

Impact on Underserved Communities

Underserved communities often face numerous barriers when it comes to accessing healthcare. The lack of resources and limited healthcare facilities can make it difficult for individuals to get the necessary tests and treatments. However, with the collaboration between HealthyMD and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, these communities now have a lifeline. The mobile clinics bring the healthcare services directly to them, eliminating the need for long journeys and reducing barriers to care. This initiative not only provides a much-needed service but also shows that everyone deserves equal access to healthcare. It gives hope to those who may have otherwise felt overlooked or forgotten.

Importance of Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a crucial aspect of healthcare, especially when it comes to sensitive issues like HIV testing. HealthyMD understands this and has ensured that all testing services provided through this partnership are completely confidential. This builds trust with the community and encourages more people to come forward for testing. Knowing that their information will be kept private gives individuals the confidence to take charge of their health. It shows that healthcare providers are committed to not only providing services but also respecting the privacy and dignity of their patients.In conclusion, the partnership between HealthyMD and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is a significant step forward in the fight against HIV. By bringing free health testing to underserved communities, they are making a real difference in people's lives. This initiative serves as a reminder that together, we can overcome the challenges and work towards a healthier future for all.
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Veterans notified of potential health info disclosure by VHA
2024-11-29
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has taken significant steps in response to a cyber security attack. A total of 2,302 Veterans are set to receive letters notifying them of the potential disclosure of their protected health information. This information was obtained through the attack on a server managed by DBP, Inc. The affected transcribed documents contained crucial details such as full names, medical record information, and social security numbers.

Thorough Investigation and Server Actions

VHA employees conducted a comprehensive investigation into this incident. It was determined that the cyber security attack did not impact any medical record information within the VA electronic health record. Instead, the attack involved the files on the DBP, Inc. server being "locked down" (encrypted) and potentially copied by the malicious party. The vendor promptly took action by shutting down the server and disconnecting it from the internet to prevent further attacks. Additionally, new hardware was purchased and new security controls were implemented on the equipment.

Impact by VISN

The attack had varying impacts across different VISNs. In VISN 1, 386 Veterans from the VA Boston Healthcare System, 37 Veterans from the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, and 144 Veterans from the VA Togus Healthcare System were affected. In VISN 5, 25 Veterans from the Baltimore VA Medical Center were affected. In VISN 17, 1,069 Veterans from the VA Amarillo Healthcare System were affected. And in VISN 23, 616 Veterans from the VA Minneapolis Healthcare System were affected.

Privacy Notification and Contact Information

Veterans affected by the incident will receive a Privacy Notification Letter detailing the information that was at risk. Veterans with questions or concerns about whether their personal information may have been involved can call and leave a message at 1-844-838-5433 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Privacy Officers at the local Medical Centers will return calls within two business days.Copyright 2024 KCBD. All rights reserved.
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