Medtronic Increasing Ventilator Production to Address COVID-19 Pandemic
19 März 2020 - 1:13AM
Medtronic Increasing Ventilator Production to Address COVID-19
Pandemic
Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT), the global leader in medical
technology, today announcedthat it will more than double its
capacity to manufacture and supply ventilators, in response to the
urgent needs of patients and healthcare system across the globe as
we confront the COVID-19 virus.
Medtronic recognizes the acute need for
ventilators as life-saving devices in the management of COVID-19
infections. Ventilators can play a critical role in the
management of patients with severe respiratory illness, such as
COVID-19, who require assistance because they cannot breathe
effectively. By placing a patient on a ventilator, the
patient’s lungs are permitted to rest and recover while the
ventilator performs the functions of supplying oxygen and
simulating the actions of breathing. Without ventilation
support, some patients with severe respiratory disease might not
survive.
For over 60 years, Medtronic has built its
industry leading technology in pursuit of its foundational Mission
to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life. Medtronic is an
industry leader in respiratory care and device innovation. The
company has ventilators designed for a variety of care
settings, including the acute segment (in-hospital patients in
intensive care units, emergency departments or on the
general care floors) and the sub-acute segment (out of
hospital, long-term care facilities or
home-ventilated patients). Medtronic manufactures the Puritan
Bennett™ 980 (PB 980) and Puritan Bennett™ 840 (PB 840) ventilators
in Galway, Ireland. The PB 980 and PB 840 ventilators are primarily
designed for critically ill patients in high acuity setting. A
COVID-19 patient (with or without an underlying health issue) could
be such a critically ill patient.
Medtronic Demand and SupplyCOVID-19 is a
global issue. Ventilator demand has significantly increased in
light of COVID-19, and Medtronic is currently working to meet this
increased global demand. Ventilator manufacturing is a complex
process that relies on a skilled workforce, a global supply chain,
and an experienced clinical training team. To ensure patient
safety, ventilator manufacturing also must comply with regulatory
agency requirements around the globe.
In recent weeks, Medtronic has doubled the number
of shifts in the manufacturing of the PB 980 and PB 840 ventilators
and has identified additional opportunities to further increase its
ventilator manufacturing capacity. In the company’s Galway, Ireland
ventilator manufacturing facility, there are currently over 250
employees dedicated to ventilator manufacturing and plan to more
than double that number. Additional manufacturing shifts have
been put in place and new manufacturing shift patterns are being
introduced to bring the plant to 24/7 operation to produce more
ventilators. Additional staff are being transferred from other
Medtronic sites to support our ramp up activities. With a strong
commitment across Medtronic and our suppliers combined with our
increased staffing, the company expects to be able to more than
double our manufacturing capacity for ventilators.
Medtronic is prioritizing high risk/high needs
areas for ventilator allocation on a weekly basis for global
distribution through our supply chain. This is a dynamic global
issue, and Medtronic will continue to monitor the situation and
provide updates to our employees, customers and investors as the
situation warrants.
“Medtronic recognizes the demand for ventilators
in this environment has far outstripped supply,” said Bob White,
executive vice president and president of the Minimally Invasive
Therapies Group at Medtronic. “No single company will be able to
fill the current demands of global healthcare systems. However,
with all manufacturers increasing their production and through
partnerships with governments, hospitals and global health
organizations, Medtronic is committed to getting more ventilators
into the market and to the right locations in the world to help
doctors and patients dealing with COVID-19.”
About MedtronicMedtronic plc
(www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the
world’s largest medical technology, services and solutions
companies – alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life
for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more
than 90,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals and
patients in more than 150 countries. The company is focused on
collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare
Further, Together.
Any forward-looking statements are subject to
risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's
periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated
results.
-end-
John JordanPublic Relations+1-508-452-4891
Ryan WeispfenningInvestor Relations+1-763-505-4626
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