INDA Announces IDEA Will Move To Boston Convention & Exhibition Center For 2016

CARY, N.C. — Aug. 5, 2014 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, today announced the IDEA2016 International Engineered Fabrics Conference and Exposition will move to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, May 3-5, 2016.

Major upcoming renovations scheduled for the Miami Beach Convention Center required INDA to seek a new venue to host the global nonwovens industry’s largest event of 2016. INDA selected Boston in May as the best location for its date, size requirements, and overall show

To accommodate the show’s continued growth, the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) offers IDEA a space equivalent in size and shape to that of Miami Beach and will be the only event occurring at the BCEC during the three days.

The highly successful IDEA2013 drew close to 7,000 industry participants to Miami Beach from 72 countries to conduct business with industry members and INDA expects that IDEA2016 in Boston will attract similar numbers.

As “America’s Walking City,” Boston offers an activity-filled waterfront location with world-class hotels, restaurants, historic and cultural attractions, and nightlife for continued interactions after show hours. Boston is easily accessible by plane for international and national visitors with excellent train service from New York City.

With dramatic, sweeping views of Boston’s expanding waterfront, the state-of-the-art BCEC provides flexible exhibitor space, a dynamic video wall and media tower, on-site meeting rooms, and WiFi access throughout among other amenities at this “exhibitor-friendly” venue.

“We are excited to bring IDEA2016 to Boston,” said INDA President Dave Rousse. “The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center provides the large, contiguous, high-quality space we need for an event of IDEA’s size and caliber without any other competing events, providing more value for our exhibitors. The city of Boston offers urban sophistication and New England charm with endless opportunities for conducting business, learning, and socializing with industry colleagues and friends.”

The BCEC has earned a rare gold standard from the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC), making Boston’s BCEC only the fourth center in North America and the 12th worldwide to have been awarded this top standard, the highest certification level a convention facility can achieve under strict AIPC guidelines.

IDEA2016 will once again be highlighted by the annual Achievement Awards, and the well-attended conference sessions focused on regional global markets, trends and forecasts.

“We intend to return IDEA to Miami Beach in the future, but this opportunity to experience a world-class facility in Boston will make this event a most memorable experience. We’ve had a great response to this new venue for our triennial event and exhibit space sales have already been brisk,” said Rousse.

Posted August 5, 2014

Source: INDA
 

TTU Researchers Develop Super-absorbent Nonwoven Cotton Mat For Oil Spills

Researchers at Lubbock, Texas-based Texas Tech University (TTU) have engineered a absorbent mat using low-grade cotton that can collect up to 50 times its own weight in oil. Seshadri Ramkumar, professor, Department of Environmental Toxicology, TTU, and creator of Fibertect® nonwoven decontamination wipes, led the research project. He was assisted by doctoral student Vinitkumar Singh, who performed the experiments during the four-year project. The multidisciplinary research included scientists from Cary, N.C.-based Cotton Incorporated as well as researchers from TTU’s Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Environmental Toxicology. The team tried to develop a fundamental understanding behind the effect of fiber structure and basic cotton characteristics on oil sorption capacity of unprocessed raw cotton, as well as examine the basic mechanisms behind oil sorption by nonwoven cotton webs.
 
Findings were published in the American Chemical Society’s journal “Industry & Engineering Chemistry Research.”
 
“With the 2010 crude oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which resulted in the major spill of about 4.9 million barrels of oil, it became apparent that we needed new clean-up technologies that did not add stress to the environment,” said Ramkumar. “This incident triggered our interest in developing environmentally sustainable materials for environmental remediation.”
 
Ramkumar added: “In this study, we have used low-grade cotton as well as mature cotton, and it was observed that low-grade cotton performs better than regular mature cotton in the oil sorption capacity. Nonwoven cotton batts consisting of immature and finer cotton fibers showed 7 percent higher oil sorption capacity than cotton batts developed using mature and coarser fibers. Cotton batts could be used to clean up oil spills on land as well as any oil-water system.”
 
The research team now is working with the Texas Tech Office of Technology Commercialization to bring the cotton batts to market within 12 months. Ramkumar reports there has been active interest in evaluating the product for further commercial development. 
 
“Our research shows cotton as a high-performance fiber that can be deployed to clean up toxic oil spills,” Ramkumar said. “More importantly, the oil sorption by environmentally friendly and natural sorbents like aligned nonwoven cotton made from raw unprocessed cotton and correlation with its characteristics, such as cotton quality, fineness and maturity, are not reported at all to our best knowledge.”
 
August 5, 2014
 

Karl Mayer Introduces New Machines To Jacquardtronic, Tricot Lines; Develops Reuseable Clip Strings For Lace Raschel Machines

Germany-based Karl Mayer Textilmaschinenfabrik GmbH recently added the JL 65/1 B Fashion machine to its Jacquardtronic® lace machine series. The machine is available in gauges E 18 and E 24, and features a working width of 132 inches plus a 2-inch extension for the tenter frame. According to the company, the JL 65/1 B was developed for problem-free coarse bourdon cord processing. France-based yarn manufacturer Moulinage du Plouy worked with the Karl Mayer product development team providing bourdon cords up to 2,450 decitex (dtex) made using a 100-percent non-stretch nylon fiber. A stretch bourdon cord with a maximum count of 3,250 dtex featuring 84-percent nylon and 16-percent elastane provided by Wichita, Kan.-based Invista also was tested. Karl Mayer reports all commercially available man-made fibers can be processed using the JL 65/1, but given the heavier weight of the finished fabric compared to a typical lace fabric, manufacturers are advised to produce two separate fabric webs across the machine’s working width.
 
The HKS 2-M is the latest addition to Karl Mayer’s tricot machine line. According to the company, the 180-inch-wide version can operate at maximum speeds of 3,200 meters per minute, which is approximately 20-percent faster than its predecessor.  A 210-inch-wide version can reach top speeds of 3,000 meters per minute. The HKS 2-M includes the KAMCOS® computer platform, electronic speed control of the main drive, and electronic systems for controlling the fabric take-down and yarn feed. The medium stroke machine is suitable for producing non-stretch fabrics featuring low stitch number and loose yarn running in gauges of up to E 32. End-uses for such technical and semi-technical fabrics include mattress covers, velour fabrics for furniture, nets, sporting goods, shoe fabric and printing grounds. The machine also is capable of producing tulle and other open mesh, stylish fabric for the clothing sector, according to the company.
 
In other company news, beginning in September 2014, Karl Mayer will include new flexible resusable patternguide fingers and strings on all new lace raschel machines. The company reports these reuseable clip strings enable the operator to mount the patternguide fingers onto the string bars by means of clips in line with the pattern. The patternguide fingers can be reused by clipping and unclipping them any number of times. According to Karl Mayer, the new system does not require any additional guide elements, and permits any repeat width and infinitely variable repeats. Previously, customers had to use adhesive-bonded string bars. Customers currently operating Karl Mayer lace raschel machines can integrate the new clip string system by purchasing the new clip strings from Karl Mayer’s Spare Parts Division. Customers may choose from special mounting packages with different features to suit their particular machines.
 
August 5, 2014
 

Burlington Launches Merino FX Performance Fabrics, Durepel® Eco Water Repellent

Burlington, a division of International Textile Group (ITG), Greensboro, N.C., has introduced the Merino FX collection of seasonless performance fabrics targeted to outdoor apparel.
 
The collection includes a variety of 100-percent merino wool and merino-blend fabrics in different weights and constructions and advanced performance levels. merino-blended fabrics may include CORDURA® certified yarns, Supima® cotton, flax or TENCEL®. There also are plaids in 100-percent merino wool.
 
Noting that merino wool is often not regarded as a year-round fiber, Burlington Product Development Manager Tom Aubrey said, “The very thing that makes wool warm in winter makes it cool in summer, and the natural give and elasticity of wool fibers yields to the body’s movement, making them incredibly comfortable, wrinkle resistant and longwearing.”
 
In addition to its inherent temperature-regulating, insulating, antimicrobial and hydrophilic properties, merino wool is soft, lightweight and comfortable next to the skin. The fabrics in the Merino FX collection are easy-care, and most are machine-washable, Burlington reports. Other reported advantages are its biodegradability and durability.
 
In other company news, Burlington now offers Durepel™ Eco, a perfluorocarbon (PFC)-free bluesign® approved water and stain repellent that is targeted especially to outdoor apparel fabrics. The company reports the finish provides maximum protection through repeated launderings in addition to maintaining a fabric’s aesthetics.
 
“Performance and protection are key components in clothing the outdoor enthusiast,” said Burlington Labs Director Bill DiIanni. “Our new Durepel Eco technology provides our customers with a solution they have come to expect with reduced environmental impact that reflects the enthusiast’s sustainable ideals.
 
August 5, 2014
 

Texprocess On Target: Almost Three Quarters Of Exhibition Space Already Booked

FRANKFURT — July 30, 2014 — Texprocess is a magnet for the international textile and garment industry: almost three quarters of the available exhibition space has already been booked with nine months still to go before the fair begins. This clearly exceeds the registration status at the same time, two years ago.Once again, all leading international companies will be making presentations at the Leading International Trade Fair for Processing Textile and Flexible Materials (4 to 7 May 2015). In addition to the ‘Source it’ sourcing platform, the fair will be supplemented by an extensive complementary programme of events, including IT@Texprocess.

“Texprocess is Europe’s only trade fair for the garment and textile-processing industry. There, top international players present all process stages along the textile value chain”, says Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt. The companies that have already registered for Texprocess 2015 include: Amann, Assyst, Barudan, Brother, Busche, Coats, Dürkopp Adler, Expert Systemtechnik, Ferd. Schmetz, FK Group, Global International, Gütermann, Happy Industrial Corporation, Hikary, Human Solutions, Hornung Indupress, KSL, Juki, Martin Group, Morgan Tecnica, Ozbilim Tekstil Makinalari, Pathfinder Australia, Pfaff, Veit, Vibemac, Tajima Industries, topcut-bullmer, Yamato. X’ian Typical and ZSK.
The next Texprocess will once again be distinguished by an unrivalled platform for garment manufacturers, ‘Source it’ in Hall 5.0, which puts the spotlight on contract manufacturers and national associations for the production of apparel and fashions, especially those from Latin America, East and South Europe and Africa. Great interest is already being shown in ‘Source it’.

It is still possible to register for Texprocess and the ‘Source it’ area. This also applies to IT@Texprocess, an area especially for IT-solution suppliers. 

Positive signals from the industry
Elgar Straub, Director General of the VDMA Garment and Leather Technology, regards the number of registrations received to date as being a positive signal from the sector: “As the conceptual partner of Texprocess, we see a great potential for the third edition of the fair. At present, the industry is being driven by subjects such as increasing digitalisation and networking – ‘Industry 4.0’ is the buzzword – and sustainable production processes. And these subjects will play an important role at Texprocess. Our members are extremely well prepared to meet these challenges. In the first four months of this year, the garment and leather technology sector noted an increase of almost 20 percent in orders received. May was even better. Worldwide garment production is also climbing. Indeed, there were signs of this upswing at the last Texprocess.”

As in previous years, Texprocess will be held concurrently with Techtextil, International Trade Fair for Technical Textiles and Nonwovens (also from 4 to 7 May 2015). A total of 1,652 exhibitors and 40,000 international trade visitors attended Texprocess und Techtextil 2013 – a new record. Over 12,100 of these visitors saw the products and services being shown by 330 exhibitors at Texprocess. Additionally, more than 8,100 Techtextil visitors also looked in on Texprocess to gather information about the exhibits there.

Also very successful were Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas, which were held at JEC Americas in May 2014. 527 exhibitors and 9,039 visitors made their way to Atlanta for the fairs, an increase of 45 percent over 2012.

Posted August 5, 2014

Source: Messe Frankfurt
 

Medical Grade Innovations Announces New, High-Performance Scrub Line

RIDGELAND, Miss. — July 30, 2014 — Medical Grade Innovations, (MGI) a subsidiary of R&T Fabric, LLC today announced the launch of its introductory line of healthcare professional attire through the company’s new website and online store www.medicalgradeinnovations.com. The initial product offering, the Medical Grade Scrub, is a bacteriostatic (stops the reproduction of bacteria), moisture wicking, odor repellant, and stain resistant scrub made from Milliken’s VisaEndurance® fabric.

Murray Cohen, PhD, MPH, CIH, president of MGI’s Science and Technology division, believes utilizing more functional garments and textiles in combination with unique systems for processing, usage, and data collection, may help one day contain some of the pathogen burden within healthcare facilities. Cohen is a retired U.S. Public Health Officer for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and international expert on hospital safety.

“We are living in a time of increased microbial resistance with an alarming 1 in 25 patients contracting an infection during a hospital stay,” said MGI Science & Technology President, Murray Cohen, PhD, MPH, CIH. “Hospitals are increasingly aware and, moreover, incentivized to reduce the occurrence of hospital acquired infections, but much can be done at the level of the individual practitioner. Today’s release of Medical Grade Scrub is a first step toward providing healthcare professionals with another level of protection for them and their patients.”

The Medical Grade Scrub remains 99.9% durably bacteriostatic against Staphylococcus Aureus and Klebsiella after 50 washings, as shown in AATCC Method 100 lab testing, and utilizes silver ion technology, which activates when in it comes in contact with the sodium in human perspiration. Bacteria in sweat take up the silver ions, which keep them from reproducing.

The Society of Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) recently acknowledged the lack of oversight on any regulated practices for healthcare professional attire and patient attire in a guidance published in February 2014’s Infection Control and Epidemiology.1 The SHEA guidance stated that healthcare professional attire should take into account a balance of professional appearance, comfort, and practicality with the potential role of apparel in the cross-transmission of pathogens.

One of the fundamental issues facing health care professionals who wash their work garments at home is that their washing machines cannot reach the temperatures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention2 (CDC) to correctly wash contaminated fabric. Home washers are set at 120 degrees per the Department of Energy’s3 guidelines and the CDC recommend hospitals wash possibly contaminated linen at 165 degrees for 20 minutes. This creates the potential to reintroduce contaminated garments into and out of the hospital each day, and demonstrates the need for garments that can be correctly washed at home.

“Our team has 50 years of experience innovating new fabrics and technologies for a variety of industries. With the current national focus on improving healthcare, it made strategic sense for it to be our focus as well,” said MGI CEO, Bert Rubinsky. “In the near future, these fabrics will act as a key component to multi-faceted programs, which with the help of Dr. Cohen, will address workplace, patient, environmental, and community safety issues.”

1 Bearman, G., Bryant, K., Leekha, S., Mayer, J., Munoz-Price, L.S., Murthy, R., Palmore, T., Rupp, M., White, J. “Expert Guidance: Healthcare Personnel Attire in Non-Operating Room Settings.” Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology 35:2 (February 2014)

2 http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5210a1.htm, Accessed July 17, 2014

3 http://energy.gov/energysaver/projects/savings-project-lower-water-heating-temperature, Accessed July 17, 2014

Posted August 5, 2014

Source: Medical Grade Innovations
 

Cotton LEADS™ Receives Nod From More Than 200 Textile Businesses

NEW YORK CITY and SYDNEY — July 23, 2014 — The Cotton LEADS™ program, launched in October of 2013, has attained more than 200 partners across the global cotton textile supply chain.  Cotton LEADS™, a joint program established by Australian and U.S. cotton industries, advocates and demonstrates responsible growing practices for the popular fabric fiber.  Companies signing on to the program include: Target Corporation, AEON TopValu, Fountain Set, American & Efird, and Operadora LOB.

“The first phase of the Cotton LEADS™ program was aimed at raising awareness of the significant environmental gains already achieved by cotton growers in Australia and the United States and their commitment to continual improvement,” explains Mark Messura, Senior Vice President, Global Supply Chain Marketing at Cotton Incorporated.  Messura points to the stringent national and local level regulatory environment in both countries, combined with transparency of these practices and third party verification to validate the claims. 

“The robust national infrastructures of both countries have facilitated and documented these gains, but more importantly, they enable the country-wide implementation of future best practices,” adds Messura.

On the topic of best practices, Adam Kay, CEO of Cotton Australia, adds “The self-investment by growers into research and development is a key commonality in both countries, and one that demonstrates their commitment to continual improvement.”

The Cotton LEADS™ program is a joint effort of the Australian cotton industry and the U.S. Cotton industry as a project of the Cotton Foundation.  Its founding members are Cotton Australia, the National Cotton Council of America, Cotton Council International and Cotton Incorporated. The program is designed to raise awareness of the responsible growing practices and commitment to continuous improvement among cotton producers in the member countries. More information on the Cotton LEADS™ program can be found at:  www.cottonleads.org.

Posted August 5, 2014

Source:  Cotton LEADS
 

ITMA 2015 More Than 95 Percent Sold At Close Of Space Application

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, United Kingdom — July 17, 2014 — Global textile and garment technology suppliers have snapped up space at next year’s ITMA exhibition in Milan. ITMA 2015, the world’s most established textile and garment machinery exhibition, has attracted over 1,300 applicants from 43 countries by the application deadline of 4 July. As a result, over 95 per cent of the 200,000 square metres of space has been taken up.

CEMATEX, the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers, which owns the ITMA brand, is delighted with the outcome.

Mr Charles Beauduin, President of CEMATEX, said: “We are very encouraged by the strong space take-up over the last few weeks. The overwhelming response is testimony of ITMA as a relevant marketing and sourcing platform. It further reinforces the reputation of CEMATEX’s global platform.

“The textile and clothing sector is one of the most globalised of any industry. Manufacturers competing for a slice of the world market need to invest in better technology to raise productivity and meet more stringent demands on quality. Increasingly they are required to adopt clean technologies to produce eco-friendly products. ITMA’s theme of sustainable innovation is timely and resonates with the world’s leading textile and garment makers, fashion and lifestyle brands and retailers.”

Interest in ITMA from CEMATEX countries is very high, with many companies planning to launch their latest technologies at the exhibition. Over 750 applications have been received to date from companies in CEMATEX countries, taking just over 70 per cent of the space booked so far.

Several CEMATEX countries have increased the space booked for the 2015 show compared with the 2011 event, including Italy (up 30 per cent), Netherlands (up 20 per cent), France (up 13 per cent), Germany (up 4 per cent) and Sweden (up 2.5 per cent), highlighting the strength and positive market sentiment of European textile machinery manufacturers.

The top 5 countries in terms of space booked are Italy (34 per cent), Germany (25 per cent), Turkey (7 per cent), Switzerland (7 per cent) and India (6 per cent).

The top 5 countries in terms of number of applicants are Italy (31 per cent), Germany (20 per cent), India (13 per cent), China (10 per cent) and Turkey (9 per cent). It is interesting to note that the two Asian giants in textile manufacturing are also fielding a large number of exhibitors to ITMA 2015.

The top 5 sectors are finishing (24 per cent), spinning (16 per cent), weaving (14 per cent), knitting (14 per cent) and printing (10 per cent).

Commenting on the sectors, Ms Eileen Ng, Executive Director of MP Expositions and Project Director of ITMA 2015, said: “The top five sectors have always been well represented at ITMA. Exhibitors sign up for large stands to showcase their machinery through live demonstrations. Visitors can look forward to learning about the latest technologies from these manufacturers.

“We are encouraged that the printing sector has more than doubled in space applications from the last ITMA show in 2011. The positive response affirms our decision to expand it into a dedicated chapter. As there have been rapid developments in the digital realm, manufacturers will be using ITMA 2015 to launch their innovative solutions.”

Emphasis has also been given to the nonwovens, fibre & yarn and garment making chapters. Technical textile solutions which have formed an integral part of the offerings by technology providers at ITMA will be further highlighted with displays of new applications.

With more than 15 months to go before the exhibition opens in Milan, the organising team is confident that the ITMA 2015 exhibition will see more participation from the industry. It is also expected to be a more exciting showcase as the world moves towards sustainability, spawning cutting-edge research and development, technological innovations and a host of enhanced and new machinery, and other product offerings.

In addition, ITMA 2015 will feature a number of knowledge-sharing events. These include the World Textile Summit, nonwovens forum jointly organised by EDANA, and Textile Colourant and Chemical Leaders Forum. Recently, CEMATEX also announced the launch of the ITMA Sustainable Innovation Award programme.

ITMA 2015 will be held from 12 to 19 November at Fiera Milano Rho in Milan, Italy. Limited exhibition space is available and those keen to participate are advised to apply online (www.itma.com) as soon as possible.

Posted August 3, 2014

Source: ITMA
 

Sale Of Emerald Performance Materials To American Securities Completed

CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — August 1, 2014 — Emerald Performance Materials, LLC, today announced that it has completed the sale of the company to an affiliate of private equity firm American Securities LLC.  Emerald has been an affiliated portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners since 2006. Headquartered in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Emerald’s industry-leading brands serve a wide range of attractive end markets, including flavors and fragrances, food and beverage, personal and household care, composites, structural adhesives, coatings and plastics. The specialty chemical manufacturer’s portfolio includes benzoic acid and derivatives such as fragrance ingredients and plasticizers, specialty resins, reactive liquid polymers and modifiers, antioxidants, accelerators, colorants, foam control products and other additives. Terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.

“We are excited about the completion of the sale of our company to American Securities and the opportunity to build upon the track record we have established,” said Candy Wagner, president and chief financial officer of Emerald Performance Materials, LLC. “We are extremely proud of our accomplishments during our tenure as a Sun Capital Partners portfolio company – doubling the company’s revenue and achieving a three-fold improvement in EBITDA. Emerald’s employees are enthusiastic about the next step in our future and remain committed to continued innovation and growth of our company, while helping our customers and suppliers achieve their growth goals. We have many exciting opportunities ahead of us and look forward to this next phase as an affiliate of American Securities.”

Scott M. Wolff, managing director at American Securities, commented, “American Securities is committed to supporting the strategic vision of the Emerald management team and investing in continued growth of the company. Emerald represents a compelling investment opportunity and leverages our industry knowledge and track record in the specialty chemicals sector. We look forward to working with management to achieve Emerald’s full potential as the team executes on its strategy to expand its portfolio and global capabilities.” 

Emerald was formed in 2006 from the divesture of six specialty chemical businesses from Lubrizol and has since made four additional acquisitions in complementary businesses. Significant investments in new plant equipment have enabled the Company to expand capacity at its Rotterdam, Netherlands, and Kalama, Washington (U.S.) sites in order to meet increased customer demand for benzoic acid and down-stream specialty products such as non-phthalate plasticizers and fragrance ingredients. In addition, the company added assets at its Charlotte facility for expanded production of foam control and specialty silicone materials, increased capacity of its reactive modifiers at Maple Shade, New Jersey, and expanded R&D and pilot plant capabilities at Kalama, Cincinnati, Charlotte, Moorestown and Akron. The company has introduced more than 50 new products to the market since its formation, focusing on expanding its high performance materials and wide range of low- and 0-VOC products in line with industry needs.

Improvements in operational efficiencies and in the Company’s environmental footprint have also been an important part of Emerald’s successes. The Company made significant investments in this area, slashing TRI emissions by 52% since 2006, the year in which Emerald was formed, exceeding U.S. chemicals industry benchmarks, according to U.S. EPA reports. 

Posted August 3, 2014

Source: Emerald Performance Materials
 

Medline’s New Line Of Hospital Gowns Signals A Simple Step In Improving Patient Experience For The Youngest Among Us

MUNDELEIN, Ill. — August 2, 2014 — Children’s Medical Center Dallas is pioneering techniques, from soothing color schemes to high tech play areas, to improve the patient experience for the youngest among us.

Leading medical supplier Medline Industries, Inc. is now making it possible for them to minimize discomfort and anxiety during a hospital stay with a new pediatric patient gown featuring children’s favorite Disney characters.  With Mickey for boys and Minnie for girls, these gowns are colorful, designed for comfort and feature soft napped knit fabric that feels gentle and smooth against the skin.  In addition, the plastic snaps make it safe to wear during MRI scans, eliminating the need for patients to change in and out of gowns.  The durable snaps also have exceptional impact resistance.

“When children enter the hospital, their biggest fear is the unknown,” said Kristen Johnson, a child life manager at Children’s Medical Center Dallas, the first hospital in the nation to offer the gowns to patients. “They may have misconceptions about procedures or their diagnosis, fear of medical equipment, as well as fears of a new place and new people. Play and familiar reminders of home can provide comfort and empower children during difficult situations.”

Experts agree, the less stress and anxiety a child has, the better their recovery. In today’s changing healthcare landscape, improving patient experience is a top priority for healthcare systems large and small.    

“Patient apparel has been an expertise of ours for 50 years,” said Tim Abate, textiles division president, Medline. “We’re committed to innovation and this gown sets a new standard on the pediatric patient’s genuine needs – comfort and safety – giving hospitals the ability to provide children not just the best treatment, but also the most comforting care during their stay.”

Medline’s latest line also features completely opaque fabric to support the child’s modesty and ties that fall lower on the back for added comfort and safety.

Initial feedback has been positive, with some noting that the gowns are definitely bringing a smile to many patients’ faces. Nurses report that the children love the bright colors, fun characters and soft, pajama-like feel.  The gowns also are serving as a conversation starter and common bond between clinician and patient.

“Talking about the gowns and characters provide clinicians with a way to build rapport, ease anxiety and interact with the patients in a positive manner,” Johnson said. “Children will feel more confident and trusting when they’ve had a successful or positive overall experience.”

From the parent perspective, one of the toughest challenges is easing a child’s anxiety in what can be a cold, sterile and disruptive environment. 

“For any parent, it’s difficult to see your child in pain or afraid,” said Melissa Zaro, parent. “When our son was admitted into the hospital for a rare kidney condition, we brought him his favorite pillow and stuffed animal to comfort him. I think familiar characters on a gown could also make a difference in helping children relax and feel comforted.” 

The child patient journey can be overwhelming on many levels. Offering normalcy and a home-like experience are keys to a child’s overall progress.

“Children need to be as close to themselves as possible while they are with us,” said Amanda Andrew, patient care technician, Children’s Medical Center Dallas. “They need to feel loved, appreciated and beautiful. And especially when they are away from home, children need to feel safe.”

With millions of dollars at risk for health systems due to healthcare reform and the new value-based purchasing rules, hospital leaders are looking for practical, affordable solutions for improving patient experience and raising HCAHPS survey scores.  Medline recognizes this as a growing concern among its customers and remains committed to discovering new ways to improve the patient experience. 

Posted August 3, 2014

Source: Medline
 

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