Mid-Atlantic Group Network Signs Sole-Source Agreement With Zassi Medical Evolutions

MECHANICSBURG, Pa., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Mid-Atlantic Group Network of Shared Services, Inc.(TM) (MAGNET)(TM), one of the largest and most experienced shared service organizations in the U.S., has signed a sole-source agreement with Zassi Medical Evolutions(TM) to provide MAGNET members with an innovative bowel management system (BMS)(TM) that is unique to the MAGNET portfolio. Effective January 1, 2005, this three-year agreement is a result of input from health care providers via MAGNET’s Member Organizations and their Participating Healthcare Facilities. The Zassi Bowel Management System was selected due to its design and functionality to meet the needs of healthcare providers and their patients to safely and more easily control the handling of all types of contaminated fecal materials in non-ambulatory patients. This is the second sole-source award by a major group purchasing organization (GPO) which further validates the excellence of the Zassi BMS.

“MAGNET’s commitment to our 775 participating hospitals is based on our ability to identify innovative suppliers who share our mission of quality, value, and cost advantage,” said MAGNET Vice President Steven R. Duke. “Zassi demonstrated that they meet and potentially can exceed our expectations. Our new partnership with Zassi will contribute greatly to the quality of service provided by our member organizations, and facilitate improved patient outcomes.”

Peter von Dyck, President and CEO of Zassi Medical Evolutions, Inc. acknowledged the importance of this sole-source agreement as MAGNET’s support of Zassi’s vision of providing innovative new medical devices for the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that will enhance the lives of millions of men, women and children around the world who are being cared for in all settings within the healthcare continuum. von Dyck stated, “The MAGNET contract award recognizes the need for a superior fecal diversion device that can safely handle fecal materials in bedridden and critically-ill patients while reducing the incidence of hospital acquired infections. Clinicians routinely tell us that the design features of the Zassi BMS are unmatched by any other companies offering solutions for fecal incontinence.”

About MAGNET

Founded in 1979, MAGNET is comprised of seven (7) Member Organizations that service hospitals, alternate care facilities, and physician practices and clinics with a contract portfolio of innovative and cost-reducing equipment, services, and commodities. By soliciting direct input from its Member Organizations and their Participating Healthcare Facilities, MAGNET contributes significantly to the quality of services provided while reducing costs through the careful selection of vendor partners. MAGNET’s regionally- based Member Organizations include: Association Management Resources (AMR); The Connecticut Hospital Association Shared Services Program (CHA-SSP); Hospital Central Services Cooperative, Inc. (HCSC); Joint Purchasing Corporation (JPC); Monmouth Ocean Health Care Cooperative (MOHCC); PRIME-The Maryland Hospital Association; and Southwest Ohio Health Care Affiliates, Inc. (SOHCA). MAGNET’s structured contract development process assures healthcare providers access to industry leaders as well as the formulation of a responsive program focused on meeting their purchasing needs.

About Zassi Medical Evolutions

Founded in 1997, Zassi Medical Evolutions, Inc. is an emerging and privately held organization that designs, develops, manufactures, and commercializes high technology medical devices. The company is headquartered in Fernandina Beach, Florida. For further information about Zassi Medical Evolutions, Inc., or the Zassi Bowel Management System, please visit the company’s website at http://www.zassimedical.com/ , email info@zassimedical.com, or call 888-258-2544.

Zassi Medical Evolutions, Inc.

CONTACT: Ashley McCarroll of Zassi Medical Evolutions, Inc.,+1-904-261-2169