IMImobile acquires Healthcare Communications

Global cloud communications software and solutions provider IMImobile has announced its decision to acquire patient communication services provider Healthcare Communications. The decision will see IMImobile further develop essential digital tools to support and engage with patients.

With rising healthcare costs, the National Health Service is looking at implementing new, innovative technologies to further support the delivery of exceptional patient care.

Healthcare Communications is responsible for the implementation and pioneering of SMS text appointment reminder services in the UK, and has strong partnerships with 140 NHS organisations, delivering more than 100mn secure patient communications a year via SMS, IVM, telephone and email. This is in addition to postal and portal communications channels. More than 4,000 staff use the company’s messaging services daily.

Whilst UK Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has revealed that the number of missed appointments remains high, costing the UK over £700mn per annum, the implementation of SMS technology has seen the number of DNA’s fall by up to 25% in some areas. The acquisition will therefore support the UK’s ambitions to deliver cost savings across the UK healthcare industry.

“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,” commented Jay Patel, Chief Executive Officer at IMImobile.

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“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.”

Headquartered in London, with offices in Hyderabad, Atlanta, Dubai and Johannesburg, IMImobile has over 1,000 employees worldwide, where its smart, digital customer engagement solutions are also implemented via Vodafone, Telefonica, France Telecom, Centrica, government agencies and several major financial institutions.

“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,” added Mike Cunningham, Managing Director at Healthcare Communications.

“It will significantly accelerate our ability to invest in our products and services to support NHS England with its digital transformation agenda.”