Vernacare lands £10m Chinese hospital supply deal

Medical products manufacturer Vernacare has secured a five-year deal worth millions with hospital management firm Sinophi Healthcare.

The agreement, announced during Chancellor George Osborne’s week-long China trade visit, will see Sinophi deliver £10m in business for Bolton-based Vernacare between now and 2020.

Sinophi, a UK firm, owns and invests in hospitals across China. With Vernacare’s products, the company is hoping to slash infection risks in its facilities.

Commenting on the deal at the signing ceremony, the group marketing director of Vernacare, Emma Sheldon, said: “Sinophi Healthcare is a shining example of a forward-thinking business that is bringing to life the Chinese Government’s bold vision for a world-class healthcare system.

“The Vernacare system, and the significant benefits it has already achieved in helping to improve infection prevention for hospitals and patients worldwide, is a perfect fit for the vision Sinophi have for improving healthcare in China.”

Emma added: “Our partnership with Sinophi is the highlight of a very special trip to China in the presence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, government ministers and leading British exporters.”

Commercial Secretary to the Treasury Lord O’Neill, who was present at the signing, noted the opportunities for UK healthcare companies to grow with increased exports in China.

Chancellor George Osborne told attendees: “I want the UK to forge much closer economic links with China and that means being ambitious enough to help to deliver record levels of investment and trade in both directions.

“That is why I travelled to China this week with a huge Ministerial and business delegation, ensuring that the British companies with us had fantastic opportunity to explore new markets and to make vital contacts.”

He continued: “Our aim is to make China the UK’s second largest trading partner and British firms have a massive opportunity to benefit.”

Vernacare’s single-use system for preventing patient infections during toileting and washing is used by health centres in 48 countries. In the UK, it is used by 96% of NHS hospitals.