Deaconess Health System Inc, based in Evansville, Ind., has selected Medline Industries, Inc. as its preferred prime vendor distribution partner for medical and surgical supplies, Medline announced today. The three-year agreement for distribution services is expected to save the facility more than $1 million over the term of the agreement.

In the agreement, which is expected to be worth approximately $42 million over the term of the deal, Medline will provide its broad array of Medline brand medical and surgical products, including surgical procedure trays, patient care products, disposable protective gowns, exam gloves and bandages. Medline will distribute products directly to the health system’s six hospitals and ancillary facilities from its distribution facility in Louisville, Ky., one of 33 distribution centers the company maintains throughout the country.

“We selected Medline as our distribution partner because of their ability to provide distribution and valuable cost management services across our health system,” said Julie Klaner, director of materials management. “Through their self-manufactured products and distribution efficiencies, Medline is helping to drive down costs and improve our services, which will ultimately enhance our quality of care.”

About Deaconess Health System

Deaconess Health System is a premier provider of health care services in the Tri-State area. The system includes six hospitals in southern Indiana: Deaconess Hospital, Deaconess Gateway Hospital, The Women’s Hospital, Deaconess Cross Pointe, HealthSouth Deaconess Rehabilitation Hospital and The Heart Hospital at Deaconess Gateway. Also included in the system are several ancillary facilities and partnerships with many other community health care providers. For more information on Deaconess, go to www.deaconess.com/body.cfm?id=34.