EHI’s industry news roundup 04.04.08

E-Health Insider’s industry news round up for the week ending 4 April 2008 featuring supplier news and events.

Supplier news

KKR to expand Northgate Information Solutions business

Following the acquisition of Northgate Information Solutions by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co (KKR) on 5 March 2008 for £1.1 billion, the company has announced that it plans to strengthen and expand the public sector business in local government, education, criminal justice and health through a combined programme of organic growth and strategic acquisitions.

Australian e-health boss quits job

The Australian National E-Health Transition Authority (NEHTA) chief executive, Ian Reinecke, has quit his post amid speculation over the organisation’s future role in e-health developments. Dr Reinecke plans to return to work as a consultant and corporate adviser. He was initially appointed to lead NEHTA from its establishment as a not-for-profit company owned jointly by the federal and state governments in 2005, with the aim of driving harmonised systems across the public health sector and establish industry standards for quality and interoperability.

OnExamination.com launches revision course for college student aspiring medics

OnExamination.com has launched the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) preparation course, aimed at sixth-form students. By taking UKCAT seeks to prepare students for the key elements of this medical school entrance test. The exam has been adopted by the majority of UK medical and dental schools as part of the selection process. OnExamination.com’s online resource provides practice question material, advice and strategies to help candidates prepare for this online exam which tests skills in communication, awareness and reasoning.

Stonewood Electronics to host NHS Data Protection seminars

Stonewood Electronics, a designer and manufacturer of encrypted hard drives, has announced it is launching a series of seminars addressing how healthcare IT professionals can avoid costly data breaches, meet regulatory compliance requirements, and select the right tools to safeguard patients’ records. Stonewood CEO, Brendan Forster said: “We hope our seminars will be a useful resource to healthcare IT professionals, helping them ensure data security while improving workforce mobility.” For more information on the seminars and to register, please contact: Flavio da Silva, Marketing Manager, Flagstone Stonewood, on 01929 55 44 00 or email Flavio.daSilva@stonewood.co.uk

Events

Healthcare Computing 2008 – 21-23 April 2008, Harrogate

The HC Conference has changed its format to cover each of today’s foremost topics in health-and-care informatics in a different way. Over the three days, there will be 10 conferences. A brief description of each conference may be found at http://www.health-informatics.org/ or for a quick overview by day visit http://www.bcs.org/server.php?show=ConWebDoc.16969.

International Health Forum, 21 – 23 April in Washington DC

The 5th Annual World Health Care Congress conference will convene over 2,000 CEOs, senior executives and government officials from the largest employers, hospitals, health systems, health plans, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, and leading government agencies. Register at www.whcc2008.com.