Emis in patient data joint venture

The Leeds firm, which supplies healthcare software to GPs, said the 50:50 venture with INPS would facilitate the sharing of patient data.

The venture, Healthcare Gateway, could increase efficiency in the NHS as well as patient care, Emis said.

It will work through a medical interoperability gateway (MIG), which can be used to view patients' detailed care records. Different healthcare teams will be able to share clinical data.

The firm said they expected the NHS and other software providers, in primary, community and hospital settings, would buy services from Healthcare Gateway to further connect up the computer systems in the NHS.

Sean Riddell, Emis chief executive, said: "Our partnership with INPS is a landmark collaboration between two leading suppliers that has the potential to deliver more efficient services and improved care to 75 per cent of the UK population.

"The ability of healthcare professionals to securely share patient data is fundamental to improving the efficiency of NHS frontline services and patient care."

Max Brighton, INPS managing director, said: "In these times of austerity we have a responsibility to offer solutions that help clinicians to provide their patients with high quality services, and at the same time, improve efficiencies within the NHS.

"Our work in collaboration with EMIS to allow the secure exchange of data using the MIG is a significant milestone in healthcare IT."