MEDICAL products manufacturer Vernacare has received two prestigious awards for outstanding achievement in export.

The company has won both the Medilink North West UKTI Export Achievement Award, and International Company of the Year (£25 million to £50million turnover) Award - in the Insider North West International Trade Awards 2014.

The Vernacare system of hygienic patient toileting and washing was invented 50 years ago.

The company designs and makes single-use bedpans, urinals, wash bowls and other containers from renewable natural fibre, which are disposed of in its Vortex disposal machines.

This improves standards of patient safety and care - reducing the risk of infection, saving money and nurses' time, while boosting environmental performance.

Global marketing director Emma Sheldon, said: "This is a fantastic achievement and I can't think of a better way to celebrate Vernacare's 50th birthday year.

"We are veteran exporters and have successful trading relationships with healthcare providers across every continent, but have refused to stand still.

"We recently reinvigorated our international strategy to boost export sales, which is paying dividends as we open up new market opportunities."

Vernacare trades with 48 countries and has achieved significant international sales growth.

Recently, the company has dispatched its infection control products to Sierra Leone to assist the fight against Ebola.

Vernacare was a Queen's Award winner for innovation in 2011, in recognition of its successful development of the first detergent-proof wash bowl.

Last year the company won multiple awards for its single-use VernaFem female urinal, which provides a safe and dignified alternative to catheterisation and other traditional continence care options.

Vernacare will now go forward to compete in the national Medilink UK Awards next April.