HHS Issues Tool to Help Facilities Prepare for an Influenza Pandemic

       Healthcare facilities are a first resource for many seasonal flu sufferers. The same would be true if a pandemic influenza were to strike. Recognizing the important role these organizations would play in caring for the sick, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issues a checklist to help them assess readiness and plan for a response.
       HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt released the guide during a speech at the American Medical Association (AMA) Presidents’ Forum in Washington, DC.
       While the checklist was designed with a pandemic influenza in mind, it could be helpful in other types of emergencies. Recommendations include:
• Incorporating pandemic influenza preparedness into emergency management planning
• Having a plan for surveillance and detection of pandemic influenza in the population served
• Having a communication plan, identifying key public health contacts and the organization’s point person for external communication
• Providing education and training to ensure that all personnel understand the implications of and control measures for pandemic influenza
• Developing a plan for triage and management of patients during a pandemic
• Developing infection control, vaccine, and antiviral plans.
       For a copy of the “Medical Offices and Clinics Pandemics Influenza Planning Checklist,” the newly released “Pandemic Planning Update,” and/or other helpful checklists and planning information, visit http://www.pandemicflu.gov.
       Source: Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

HEALTHPOINT Acquires Topical Collagenase Business

       HEALTHPOINT, Ltd., a DFB Pharmaceuticals, Inc., affiliate company, and BioSpecifics Technologies announce the sale of BioSpecifics’ topical collagenase business. As part of the agreement, HEALTHPOINT’s affiliate will assume ownership and operation of BioSpecifics’ manufacturing facility in Curaçao and certain other assets in Lynbrook, NY, owned by BioSpecifics’ affiliate, Advance Biofactures.
       Deal terms involve an up-front cash payment of $8 million to BioSpecifics on signing for the assets and an additional payment for future services to be provided by Advance Biofactures. The deal terms also include the potential for BioSpecifics to benefit from an earn-out based on sales. HEALTHPOINT’s affiliate plans to invest $1.5 million in upgrading the newly acquired manufacturing facilities, which currently produce Collagenase ABC, an enzyme derived from the fermentation of the bacterium Clostridium histolyticum.
       For more information, visit http://www.healthpoint.com.

Joerns Healthcare Beds Comply with New FDA Guidelines

       Sunrise Medical announces that its Joerns beds are manufactured in accordance with new guidelines specified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Upgrade solutions are available to help facilities bring their legacy Joerns beds into compliance.
       Sunrise Medical, a charter member of the Hospital Bed Safety Workgroup (HBSW), recommends that providers read the entire document carefully. To aid customers in implementing the guidelines, the company has prepared a “Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)” summary. The FAQ sheet highlights common questions and concerns and provides answers designed to assist customers in implementing these guidelines in their facilities.
       Overall, the FDA has defined 7 potential entrapment zones and provided testing guidelines for zones 1 through 4. The FDA Bed Entrapment Guidelines provide information on testing tools and detailed instructions, including reference diagrams.The FDA is still collecting data on zones 5, 6, and 7, and those guidelines may be released in the future. All bed systems should be tested regularly to assure that factors like normal wear and tear have not affected the bed systems’ safety. Specific resident assessments must be factored into bed system use to determine the potential risk for entrapment. Sunrise Medical will continue to work with the FDA and customers to improve the patient safety guidelines.
       Visit http://www.sunrisemedical-ltc.com for more information.