Stryker Sustainability Solutions Brings Record-Setting $255 Million In Reprocessing Savings To U.S. Hospitals

PHOENIX, March 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Growth of Stryker Sustainability Solutions' single-use medical device reprocessing and remanufacturing services produced a record-setting $255 million in supply cost savings for its more than 2,500 hospital and health system customers in 2013.

"We're seeing growing interest in reprocessing in two ways: 1) new health systems considering reprocessing that haven't done it before and, 2) among the many hospitals who already are reprocessing, they are focused on growing the cost-savings that result from reprocessing. Once our customers see the results that our programs can deliver, and can embed reprocessing into their organization's culture, savings continue to grow year-over-year," said Brian White, President, Stryker Sustainability Solutions. "Together, with our customers, we're also finding ways to expand our portfolio of devices to maximize hospital cost-savings and assist with sustainability efforts."

One of the success stories about the positive impact of reprocessing in 2013 was Yankee Alliance, a group purchasing organization dedicated to reducing supply and operating expenses for its members. According to Craig Shoukimas, Vice President of Contracting for Yankee Alliance, "Stryker Sustainability Solutions has an unmatched reputation for delivering savings to our members. In 2013, Yankee Alliance members saved $4.9 million through reprocessing—a new record, and one of the many reasons we decided to pursue an exclusive agreement with Stryker for reprocessing of single-use devices."

"As our nation's healthcare system continues to evolve, care providers need innovative solutions that help reduce costs and we believe reprocessing single-use devices will continue to play a major role," White added. "To expand the savings we provide to our customers, Stryker is dedicated to finding opportunities to better engineer original manufacturer devices to be reprocessed, as well as to pursue 510(k) clearance for reprocessing some of the most-expensive, highest-volume devices customers use today."

In addition to sharing and contributing to the financial goals of its customers, Stryker Sustainability Solutions supports their environmental goals through medical device waste diversion. In 2013, Stryker customers eliminated 8.9 million pounds of waste from landfills, an increase in 1.3 million pounds of waste diverted in 2012.

About Stryker
Stryker is one of the world's leading medical technology companies and is dedicated to helping healthcare professionals perform their jobs more efficiently while enhancing patient care. The Company offers a diverse array of innovative medical technologies, including reconstructive, medical and surgical, and neurotechnology and spine products to help people lead more active and more satisfying lives. For more information about Stryker, please visit www.stryker.com.

About Stryker Sustainability Solutions
Stryker's Sustainability Solutions division is a leading provider of reprocessing and remanufacturing services for medical devices as well as comprehensive recycling and redistribution initiatives. For more information about Stryker's commitment to the smart, efficient delivery of healthcare, visit sustainability.stryker.com.

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SOURCE Stryker