Philips Honored With Prestigious Respiratory Industry Excellence Award At AARC International Respiratory Congress

ANAHEIM, Calif., Nov. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) today announced it has earned the prominent Zenith Award for a 15th time from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). Philips is one of just six companies to receive the award that honors excellence in products and service for the respiratory industry. The 2013 award was presented November 16 at the 59th International Respiratory Congress in Anaheim, CA. Philips was chosen to receive the award from more than 400 suppliers, based on selection from over 52,000 AARC members, comprised of clinicians and researchers who use respiratory care equipment, devices and pharmaceutical products.

"The Zenith Award is evidence of our dedication to creating the future of healthcare by developing innovations – partnering with clinicians - to improve patient care, provide better value, and expand access to care  from the hospital to the home," said Randall Whitfield, general manager, Hospital Respiratory Care, for Philips Healthcare.  

Philips Respironics provides a wide variety of complementary product offerings in the area of respiratory care, including invasive and noninvasive ventilation, a full portfolio of stationary and portable oxygen equipment, nebulizers and products for respiratory drug delivery, as well as sleep diagnostic and therapy solutions. From November 16-19 at the AARC 2013 Congress, the largest respiratory care meeting in the world, Philips will showcase its latest respiratory innovations, including a complete portfolio of therapy masks, services and support for improved patient care. Every day, Philips Healthcare's respiratory solutions improve the lives of millions of patients suffering from diseases such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For respiratory care professionals, Philips products are trusted solutions that lead to healthier patients and healthier practices.

Established in 1989, the AARC's awards program honors respiratory care product and service providers who exemplify outstanding service to the respiratory care community. The recipients recognized with the Zenith Award are distinguished for the quality of their equipment and/or supplies, accessibility and responsiveness of sales personnel, service record, truth in advertising and their support of the respiratory care profession.

The AARC, a professional membership association of respiratory therapists, focuses primarily on respiratory therapy education and research. Its goals are to ensure that respiratory patients receive safe and effective care from qualified professionals and to benefit respiratory health care providers. The Association continues to advocate, on behalf of pulmonary patients, for appropriate access to respiratory services provided by qualified professionals.

About Royal Philips Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2012 sales of EUR 24.8 billion and employs approximately 116,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

SOURCE Royal Philips