A Knutsford-based advanced wound and skin care company has signed an agreement to supply its products to an estimated nine million veterans in the US.

Crawford Healthcare will now be included as an approved supplier within the US government’s Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Federal Supply Schedule, a programme that supports the healthcare acquisition needs of the VA and other government agencies.

Thousands of government healthcare providers in the US will now be able to directly purchase Crawford Healthcare’s wound dressings.

Chief executive Richard Anderson (pictured) said: "It’s testament to the quality of our offering that Crawford Healthcare advanced wound care dressings will now be included as products available for US military veterans.

"The United States is the largest wound care market in the world, estimated to be worth £25bn per year in medical costs, so it’s an essential part of our long-term growth strategy. Securing this agreement will boost our profile whilst enabling us to have a hugely positive impact on a large group of patients."

According to VA officials, chronic wound care is of particular importance to the military community with an estimated 25 per cent of US military veterans having diabetes, compared to 8 per cent of the total adult population.