HELIX HEALTH is a provider of world-class primary healthcare software solutions. The company was formed in 2007 as a result of a merger between Systems Solutions Limited (a provider of pharmacy management software) and Medicom Medical Computer Solutions Limited (market leader in general practice systems), creating the largest indigenous healthcare IT provider in Ireland.
Howard Beggs, founder of Medicom, who engineered the merger, explains that the Helix e-Health agenda is aimed at enhancing patient care and enabling healthcare professionals and government to provide a more streamlined, efficient and cost effective service.
The company develops and promotes, among other innovations, electronic prescribing, electronic lab links and software/robotics modules for monitored medication dosage and medication compliance in a bid to reduce cost and medication errors in primary and secondary care and deliver tangible benefits to the patient population.
Helix Health has grown to become one of Ireland's largest indigenous software companies with market share at 60 per cent of GPs and consultants, 80 per cent of hospital pharmacy, 65 per cent of retail pharmacy and significant customers in the UK in health screening, pharmacy and online pharmacy.
Helix Health had turnover of €9.5 million for the year ending 2007 and has projected sales of €11 million for 2008 with about 10 - 12 per cent in exports. Based in Tallaght, Dublin, the company has 100 employees.
Product/service:
Helix Health has a range of products for general practice and primary, pharmacists, nursing homes, and specialist health care providers.
These products include Medicom practice manager (primary care), CliniScript, and CliniChemo (hospital pharmacy) QicScript and QicPos (retail pharmacy) and many more along with a range of automated dispensing robotics machines for pharmacies.
To complement the software products, Helix provides full IT hardware solutions along with support and maintenance, 7 days a week, 362 days a year.
Customers:
Helix Health designs, develops and supplies a range of software and IT solutions to healthcare professionals throughout the health system including primary care, secondary care, nursing homes, pharmacies, online pharmacies and proactive health assessment.
Helix Health also distributes a range of both Tosho (market leader in Japan) and WillachHeise (market leader in Europe) automated pharmacy dispensing machines.
The company has about 10,000 users across the healthcare profession. The customer base spans Ireland, Britain and Germany.
What vision prompted you to start up in business?
Having operated in the IT sector I was surprised at the lack of automation and leverage of technology, and in particular, the lack of connectivity between the various points of care in the healthcare sector.
Initially I recognised a small niche market of private medical consultants in Ireland for whom there was no "computer solution". This presented my initial opportunity to provide a unique service, in a niche market, which would facilitate building a business that was central to the delivery of a "joined-up healthcare sector".
Which personal attributes do you think have contributed most to your success?
Absolute determination, the willingness to accept that mistakes and failure are the building blocks for ultimate success and the ability to begin every day in a positive frame of mind regardless of the financial obstacles or other challenges that may be facing the business, particularly in its start up phase.
How do you recharge your batteries?
Ring fencing, time with my four children, switching off the Blackberry and taking the time to understand what's going on in the lives of 7, 8, 11 and 12-year-olds. Whilst sometimes stressful and challenging, it provides me with the greatest diversion from the pressures of the business and business life.
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