Saint Michael's Launches E-commerce Web Site

NEWARK, N. J. (August 31, 2009) –– Saint Michael’s Medical Center has announced the launch of Saint Michael’s Marketplace, an innovative e-commerce web site that will allow the hospital to offer patients an online shopping solution for medical supplies and health convenience items, including specialty bandages, vitamins and minerals, and fitness products.

The online store, which can be accessed via the Saint Michael’s web site at www.smmcnj.org/shop, will enable the hospital to meet the needs of its patient community more effectively by providing easy access to items that will help patients improve their health and wellness during or after their hospital stay. The hospital launched the site in partnership with the Paquin Group, a Florida-based company that helps hospitals realize new revenue opportunities. All proceeds that Saint Michael’s receives from the web site’s sales will support programs and services offered by the non-profit hospital, which provides millions of dollars annually in unreimbursed care to the poor and uninsured.

“The Saint Michael’s Marketplace is simply another way for us to help patients access resources that promote optimal health and well-being,” said Robert H. Evans, CEO of Saint Michael’s Medical Center. “Revenue generated from sales will help Saint Michael’s further the pursuit of its charitable mission.”

The web site currently features a promotion that entitles all shoppers to receive a flat shipping rate no matter how many items are purchased.

Established by the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in 1867, Saint Michael’s Medical Center is a 357-bed regional tertiary-care, teaching and research center in the heart of Newark’s business and educational district. Saint Michael’s Medical Center is a member of Catholic Health East (CHE). Based in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, Catholic Health East is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health systems, with 34 hospitals in 11 states. More information is available at www.smmcnj.org.

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