27 Aug 2010 07:00
27 August, 2010
Bioquell PLC
Appointment of Sir Ian Carruthers OBE as a Non-Executive Director
Bioquell PLC (LSE: BQE) - provider of specialist low temperature, residue-free bio-decontamination technologies to the healthcare, life sciences and defence sectors - announces that Sir Ian Carruthers, OBE, has today joined the Board of Bioquell PLC as a Non Executive Director.
Sir Ian is Chief Executive of the South West Strategic Health Authority. During his 40-year NHS career Sir Ian has served in senior positions at all levels of the NHS including hospitals, community services, local and regional health authorities and as interim NHS Chief Executive.
Sir Ian's experience of the UK and international healthcare systems will help the Board of Bioquell as it develops its strategy for the future.
Commenting on the appointment, Nigel Keen, Chairman of Bioquell PLC, said:
"We are delighted that Sir Ian Carruthers, OBE, Chief Executive of the South West Strategic Health Authority, has agreed to join the Board of Bioquell as a Non Executive Director. He brings with him a wealth of experience of the UK and overseas healthcare systems which will be invaluable for the future development of the Group."
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Notes to Editors - Sir Ian Carruthers, OBE:
1. Sir Ian Carruthers, OBE, is Chief Executive of the South West Strategic Health Authority, which is accountable to the Department of Health for the performance of the NHS in the South West. The South West Strategic Health Authority oversees a budget of approximately £8 billion.
2. Sir Ian remains in his post as Chief Executive of the South West Strategic Health Authority and will fulfil his Non Executive role at Bioquell PLC in his own time. (Approximately one day per month). Sir Ian will receive no personal remuneration or other benefits in this role; arrangements are in place for all payment to be made to the South West Strategic Health Authority for the benefit of the NHS.
3. The South West Strategic Health Authority was formed on 1 July 2006. Sir Ian has led ambitious improvement programmes for health and healthcare. The NHS in the South West has been recognised as one of the highest performing and the most improved region in England.
4. Sir Ian has contributed to reform in the NHS over the past 30 years, including close working with the private sector. He has contributed to the development of healthcare systems both nationally and internationally.
Notes to editors - Bioquell PLC:
§ Bioquell is a UK-headquartered, international technology company with two divisions:
o Bio-decon which sells specialist bio-decontamination products and services into the Healthcare, Life Sciences and Defence sectors, with most of its revenues generated from overseas customers; and
o TRaC which provides specialist Testing, Regulatory and Compliance services, which are largely governed by regulations, to UK corporates.
§ Bioquell's bio-decontamination technology is principally based around hydrogen peroxide vapour - which is highly efficacious at eradicating micro-organisms such as bacteria and viruses at room temperature - and is subsequently broken down using specialist catalysts to water vapour and oxygen at the end of the bio-decontamination process.
§ Bioquell's bio-decontamination technology:
o is used to eradicate "superbugs" from hospitals; independent scientific research has demonstrated that 'bioquelling' hospital equipment and facilities reduces the rates of hospital acquired infection;
o is used by bio-pharmaceutical, biotechnology and research institutions to provide sterile equipment and/or sterile working environments;
o has been selected by the United States Department of Defense for the JSSED programme to decontaminate sensitive equipment against biological and chemical warfare agents; and
o is also used in other sectors where bioburden can create significant problems including, for example, the food industry
§ Bioquell currently has overseas operations in the USA, France, Ireland and Singapore.
§ TRaC sells its specialist services to the product development departments of a broad range of companies, principally based in the UK, with a particular focus on aerospace, military and telecoms clients.
Enquiries:
Nigel Keen Chairman Bioquell PLC 01264 835900
Nick Adams Group Chief Executive
Mark Bodeker Chief Operating Officer and Finance Director