Companies link up for digital retinopathy screening

Digital Healthcare and Graphnet have announced a collaboration that will combine the two companies’ imaging and electronic record software to create a new digital retinopathy screening system for diabetics.

The retinal screening system will link up with GPs’ patient records. According to the two companies, benefits will include reduced errors in referral and improved access to information and screening images.

A spokesperson for Graphnet said that the company was confident that they would achieve some successful implementations. Graphnet believe that they are filling a gap in the market through this collaboration.

Primary care director of Graphnet, Roger Everitt, said: "This collaboration truly harnesses technology for the benefit of diabetes patients and healthcare professionals alike. Details of patient information and images can be securely shared to ensure the best possible treatment."

Although GPs will need to be running Graphnet software in order to access and download their patients’ screening information, a Graphnet spokesperson said that the resources to connect to the repository would be part of the bargain. 

In April 2003, the then health minister David Lammy announced the allocation of £27m towards purchasing screen systems to detect early onset of retinal deterioration in diabetics. The aim is to equip every primary care trust in England with screening equipment by 2007.

Rob Stichbury, managing director of Digital Healthcare, said: "We can now provide a truly integrated care programme for diabetic patients by bridging the electronic gap between primary and secondary care. It is our aim to use the latest technologies to support advanced healthcare programmes, and this collaboration with Graphnet Health is certainly an exciting development."

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