New hydrophilic catheter on the block

ConvaTec has launched the GentleCath Glide hydrophilic catheter in South Africa. Available from the official distribution partner of ConvaTec products, Umsinsi Health Care, the GentleCath Glide is a must-have – offering less mess, more comfort and improved safety!

ConvaTec supplies products for wound care, ostomy care, continence, critical care and infusion devices. Mark Warren, distribution manager in sub-Saharan Africa, notes: “ConvaTec is active in more than 100 countries, with 8 500 employees sharing the same goal of improving the lives of the people they touch.”

Umsinsi Health Care is run by former ConvaTec employee Amanda Wilde, who relocated from the UK and established Umsinsi Health Care in South Africa in 2008. Wilde explains: “I fell in love with South Africa and decided to move here to evaluate, establish and run the South African business in 2008.

“Umsinsi is my favourite tree (Erythrina Lysistemon). The tree is deeply symbolic in Zulu and Xhosa culture, and is dubbed the ‘respect’ tree. It is also used in modern and traditional medicine.”

She points out that Umsinsi is not a typical healthcare distributor.

“We would describe ourselves as a social enterprise in fairness and reconciliation, which is powered by a commercial business in loving skin, all over the country. Our team is primarily dedicated to training and education, particularly in the public sector, where 70 percent of our business is based and skills are short,” Wilde says.

The GentleCath Glide catheter has a smooth, slippery surface once wet, notes Warren, which reduces the risk of urethral damage, as it causes less friction and is designed for fast, convenient use.

“It has a handling sleeve to help you avoid getting bacteria from your hands on the catheter surface,” he says. “The FeelClean Technology provides a smooth slippery surface with fast lubrication once wetted. It is designed to reduce the residuals and mess that catheterisation may leave on your clothes, hands and body.

“In a recent study, GentleCath Glide was rated as ‘very comfortable’ or ‘comfortable’ by more than 85 percent of users; while 87 percent of users rated GentleCath Glide with FeelClean Technology as better than their usual catheter in terms of cleanliness,” Warren says.

The GentleCath Glide can be ordered online through the Umsinsi Health Care website (www.uhcare.co.za) or by phoning 0861 888 842. Delivery to a home or work address is free and payment can be made with a debit or credit card or, alternatively, through Discovery medical aid.

“The easiest way is via the website with free delivery. Just choose the size you want, add to the cart, and check out. Umsinsi Health Care is also offering a complimentary travel pack on your first order, while stocks last,” Warren says.

The GentleCath Glide is available in male and female lengths of 10, 12, 14 and 16, with other options to be made available soon. A pack of 30 GentleCath Glide catheters costs R695,75 from the Umsinsi website. Be sure to place your order today!