Smith & Nephew Signs Quadrant Visual Solutions Subsidiary As European Digital O.R. Partner

LONDON and ANDOVER, Mass., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smith & Nephew’s Endoscopy division today announced an exclusive audio-visual (A/V) solutions partner agreement for its Digital Operating Room (Digital OR) program in the European market.

Under this agreement, OR Networks will provide A/V product and infrastructure solutions including design, custom configuration and installation services for Smith & Nephew’s Digital OR customers in Europe. OR Networks is an independent subsidiary of Quadrant Visual Solutions Limited, based in Derby, UK, and is a leading provider of A/V technologies to hospitals and other healthcare institutions. Recent Digital OR customers supported by OR Networks include St. Mary’s, London, Clinique du sport Bordeaux Merignac in Merignac, France and Casa di Cura Frate Sole, Florence, Italy.

A/V solutions provide audio and video connectivity from the operating room to labs, observation rooms and conference rooms, and help to facilitate education both inside and outside the operating room and hospital. A/V systems typically include cameras, monitors, multi-media controllers, and image capture and annotation systems.

“Quadrant is a recognized leader in the European market for A/V solutions, and their OR Networks subsidiary has the necessary medical and technical expertise to make this partnership a success,” commented Sal Chiovari, vice president, Digital OR, Smith & Nephew Endoscopy. “Developing digitally networked products is central to Smith & Nephew’s mission of building an optimal Digital OR. The agreement will strengthen our position as a leading provider in this area and strengthen the solutions we provide to customers.”

About Quadrant

Quadrant Visual Solutions Limited was originally formed in 1953 and has evolved as a leading UK company providing audio-visual and professional services to the corporate and education sectors. Over recent years it has positioned itself as the largest systems design company for video integration into medical and surgical applications. Its systems include in-theatre video and audio equipment, digital recording stations, and video networks for telemedicine and distance learning.

The rapid growth of this division led to the launch of an independent company, OR Networks Limited, specifically aimed at targeting and developing this sector.

About Smith & Nephew:

Smith & Nephew (http://www.smith-nephew.com/) is a global medical technology business, specializing in Endoscopy, Orthopaedics and Advanced Wound Management products. Smith & Nephew ranks as the global leader in arthroscopy and one of the world’s leaders in advanced wound management and is one of the fastest growing orthopaedics companies in the world.

Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people’s lives. The company prides itself on the strength of its relationships with its surgeon and professional healthcare customers, with whom its name is synonymous with high standards of performance, innovation and trust. The company has over 8,000 employees and operates in 32 countries around the world and generated annual sales of nearly $2 billion.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. The company wishes to caution the reader that actual results may differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and may be adversely affected by, among other things, risks associated with new product development and commercialization, clinical trials, intellectual property, regulatory approvals, competitive offerings, the company’s overall business strategy and other factors.

Contact: Joe Metzger Smith & Nephew Endoscopy (978) 749-1330

Smith & Nephew

CONTACT: Joe Metzger of Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, +1-978-749-1330