IMImobile PLC, a global cloud communications software and solutions provider that helps companies use mobile and digital technologies to communicate and engage with customers, is pleased to announce it has acquired Healthcare Communications UK Limited (“Healthcare Communications”), a leading provider of appointment management and patient experience communications services.
Healthcare Communications pioneered SMS text appointment reminder services in the UK and now works with 140 NHS organisations, delivering more than 100 million secure patient communications a year via SMS, IVM, telephone and email – in addition to postal and portal communications channels. More than 4,000 staff use the company’s messaging services daily.
Its innovative services are proven to save the NHS time and money and improve the patient experience. Its appointment reminder service delivered a £1.5 million efficiency saving for Leeds Hospital Trust by cutting outpatient ‘did not attends’ (DNAs) by 5%.
Jay Patel, Chief Executive Officer at IMImobile, commented: “We are delighted with the acquisition of Healthcare Communications. This will allow us to extend our cloud communications technology and solutions to support the public services and healthcare sector. The use of data and digital communication technology has the power to transform patient communication and support whilst driving greater operational efficiencies. We look forward to working with the Healthcare Communication team to take advantage of the close synergies bringing new services to the UK healthcare market.”
Mike Cunningham, Managing Director at Healthcare Communications, said: “We are very excited to become a part of the IMImobile Group, who are a well-established global leader of customer engagement communication solutions to leading enterprises worldwide. It will significantly accelerate our ability to invest in our products and services to support the NHS England with its digital transformation agenda.”
The NHS has identified better use of digital patient communications as an important driver of efficiency savings as it works to close a £30 billion funding gap by 2020/21. Health secretary Jeremy Hunt revealed that missed hospital appointments (estimated at 1 in 10 of outpatient appointments) cost the NHS around £750million a year.
Healthcare will continue to operate under its current name and the management team will remain with the business to oversee the integration and delivery of future growth initiatives.