EHI’s industry news roundup 22.02.08

E-Health Insider’s industry news round up for the week ending 22 February 2008 featuring supplier news, appointments, product launches and events.

Supplier news

Manpower Software win Northern Devon contract

Manpower Software has announced it has won a contract with Northern Devon NHS Healthcare Trust to more effectively manage its nursing workforce using its MAPS Healthroster solutions. The company said the total number of NHS Trusts that have selected the company’s MAPS Healthroster, including this latest contract win, is 33, in addition to the contract with independent healthcare provider HCA International.

NHS Quit for Life Bus uses photo software to show damage to skin from smoking

The NHS Quit for Life Battle Bus is touring the country and offering patients the opportunity to use photographic software to see how they would look in the future if they continued to smoke, compared to how they would look if they stopped immediately. The ‘age progression technology’ is part of the NHS’s £1m stop smoking campaign.

GEAAP launch online drinking awareness scheme

The Greater Easterhouse Alcohol Awareness Project (GEAAP) has launched a new online campaign highlighting the dangers of binge drinking, and promoting awareness of the amount of alcohol units in drinks. The site is aimed at users aged between 9 and 17, and includes an alcohol related quiz with four games that can be unlocked at the end of each one. Players compete against each other and the ten highest scores achieved for each game will go into a top ten. Users have the choice to submit their points to the high score tables and enter themselves into a prize draw, with the chance to win an Apple iPod Nano.

Appointments

Northgate appoint new member to healthcare services team

Northgate Information Solutions has appointed healthcare information management specialist, Patrick Palmer, to its healthcare services team as the company strengthens its drive to deliver innovation to healthcare organisations across the country. Palmer joins Northgate from Ardentia.

Product Launches

Vocera launch updated version of wireless badge

Vocera Communications, a wireless voice communications specialist, has announced the UK commercial availability of its latest communications badge, the B2000. The outer surface of the badge and a new set of colourful protective sleeves will allow facilities to identify teams. The device has also been treated with an antimicrobial agent from BioCote that inhibits the growth of bacteria, fungi, and mould on the surface, thereby protecting the product from degradation.

Events

Independent health and care convention, The Brewery, London – 16-17 September

The second annual Independent Health & Care Convention will host debates and workshops tackling subjects of interest to the acute healthcare sector, an additional day will focus on long-term and specialist care service. For more information see http://www.independenthealthcareconvention.co.uk/.

Joe Fernandez