KITLIVING
A
animas UK and Ireland
has confirmed that it is
withdrawing from the
insulin pump supply
market and is presently
working through a transition period with
current users of the Animas Vibe insulin
pump delivery system.
The news that Animas was to exit the
insulin pump supply market across the
globe initially came out in October 2017
(read that news here. Since then, the
company has been in consultation with
its staff in the UK and Ireland. Ironically,
this was a market where sales and profits
were in fact healthy, but due to other
factors in the world market, the decision
was taken to withdraw completely from
the insulin delivery devices market.
In a letter sent to customers around 18
January (which went out to some in email
format), it transpired that - as per the
precedent set in American and Canadian
markets - the chosen partner for a period
of transition is Medtronic.
Medtronic has been chosen as
a partner for this period due to the
company's strong track record and that
a partner had been sought so that the
company's customers would have a point
of ongoing contact during this period of
unexpected change.
However, both companies are keen
to highlight that transitioning to Medtronic
does not mean there is any need for
anyone to change their insulin pump or
supplies at this time.
As well as contacting its customer
base, Animas UK is also liaising with NHS
Tender Authorities and Foundation Trusts
to further progress the transition. Once
agreements have been confirmed, then
there will be further communications from
Animas to its user base.
As it stands, there are still a few Animas
pumps that are being taken up with some
Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) happy
A SEEMLESS TRANSITION. As of now, customers call in to the Animas
careline number as usual. If they wish, Animas users can request that
someone from Medtronic calls them to talk about the company's range of
pumps and CGM options They will not be moved over any sooner than the
end of their Animas four-year warranty. But to make that contact, submit
your details at their dedicated : www.medtronic-diabetes.co.uk/animas
Animas Customer Support, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm,
0800-028-8039 (Ireland: 1800-812-715).
WHAT'S WITH
WARRANTIES?
In the UK insulin pumps are given to
patients with a four-year warranty. At
that point, patients can discuss with
their healthcare professional which is
the best pump for them to use. There
may be newer models from the same
supplier, or they may find that a pump
from a different supplier better suits
their needs at that stage.
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