Emis in talks with the NHS to map out the nation's recovery from Covid

The Leeds-based firm said it is well positioned to meet the care systems' needs thanks to investments made in technology, data integration and interoperability capabilities.

Emis' Enterprise division has delivered patient-facing services, analytics and pharmacy throughout the pandemic, most notably supporting the NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme through its Pinnacle software.

Andy Thorburn, chief executive of Emis, said: "The key things we are talking to NHS leaders about are the after effects of the pandemic.

"If you go to clinicians on the ground, their concern is obviously around patients who are maybe more vulnerable because of the prioritisation around Covid and they are looking for information and help to identify people who may be at risk. It's really about practicalities."

He said that Emis is also working on Covid research projects with senior people at Oxford University and he said that the breadth and scale of Emis's healthcare software has proved vital.

In half year results for the six month to June 30, Emis said it has seen a positive first half in line with its strategic focus on growth.

It said results were slightly ahead of the board's expectations with both revenue and adjusted operating profit ahead of both 2020 and 2019's first half results.

Revenue rose 7 per cent to £84m over the six month period and adjusted operating profit rose 13 per cent to £20m.

Mr Thorburn said: "It has been a positive first half with good performance from the business, particularly in the sales, account management and delivery teams in both Emis Health and Emis Enterprise.

"We are returning to business as usual following the challenges of the pandemic during 2020 and we have maintained our investment in, and focus on, growth.

"We believe our connected care strategy positively reflects the needs of the healthcare market as it emerges from Covid-19, with an increased focus on data capabilities. We are working closely with our customers at both strategic and local levels to address their priorities.

"We have a clear line of sight to meet board expectations for the second half of the year and look forward to the future with confidence."

Nicholas Hyett, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “Emis’ role delivering digital services to GPs and community pharmacies made it a crucial lynchpin in the pandemic response.

"Its Outcomes4Health product was at one point the only system capable of recording vaccines done outside a hospital setting, and has recorded 66 million vaccines to date.

"Together with growth in its Patient Access product, that drove impressive growth in Emis Enterprise – which services private sector providers. That in turn has driven a 10 per cent increase in the dividend this half."