IV safety company, ivWatch, LLC, introduced its operations in the United Kingdom, according to a press release.
"I am delighted to join the dynamic and passionate ivWatch team and be part of paving the path forward in innovative products in infusion therapy," Helen Stephens, vice president of international sales, EMEA, said. "At ivWatch, we are changing patient lives, avoiding patient harm at all costs and making a positive impact on the clinicians by supporting them with a product that gives them the support they need to address this global problem."
In correlation with the expansion, ivWatch plans to continue prioritizing IV therapy. The method will be paired with NHS Resolution, which aims to change the results correlated with IV extravasations. The slate of products have been cleared by the FDA and registered in the UK with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The company has appointed Stephens as vice president of international sales for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. With more than three decades worth of medical service and medical device sales, the executive has previously worked for Becton Dickinson, Vygon, Smiths Medical and ICU Medical.
Reporting to President and CEO Gary Warren, Stephens, based in the United Kingdom, will be responsible for overseeing the company’s expansion in the region. She will also be tasked with directing and expanding the company’s international distributor program.
Before assuming the new role, Stephens worked for Smiths Medical as the infusion product sales manager, EMEA. With a degree from Frances Harrison College of Healthcare, University of Surrey, the nurse graduate has also contributed to various sales, business development and clinical leadership roles.
ivWatch showcased its IV monitoring system at the 11th NIVAS annual conference hosted in London earlier this month. The event featured product experts, clinicians and executives who provided live product demonstrations. The technology, capable of detecting infiltrations, is supported by periodic IV checks by clinicians, as well as predictive algorithms and near-infrared light.
"We are proud to bring our innovation to a market that is deeply rooted in improving healthcare and is on a mission to eliminate serious preventable injuries in IV therapy," Warren said. "It's a transformational time for our company and with the addition of such a powerhouse clinical executive, Helen will bring significant strength to our leadership team and set us up for further expansion across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. I look forward to partnering with Helen, whose experience ranges from being a clinician on the frontlines to business development and sales management, to bring long-term value to our current and future customers."