Announcing the merger, the Chairman of the ECHCampus, Professor Jim McLaughlin said: "Having worked closely with EuMHA for some time, it was clear that that we had very similar ambitions and strategic goals. We also recognised the growing interchangeability of the terms 'Connected Health' and 'MHealth' and the opportunities this creates. We believe that the ECHAlliance will provide dynamic leadership in this exciting field."
Brian O'Connor, Chairman of EuMHA commented: "The close working relationship we enjoy with the ECHCampus and indeed the similarities of our goals prompted the amalgamation discussions. This merger will create a larger, stronger single entity, capable of delivering real value to our members and stakeholders."
Existing members of both the ECHCampus and EuMHA will automatically become members of the ECHAlliance and will enjoy the collective benefits of the new organisation. Continuing both organisations' strategic focus on the need to transform healthcare delivery, ECHAlliance will also work to develop the 'Connected Health Economy', thus enabling innovation and sustainable investment in the expansion of healthcare.
ECHCampus enjoys an excellent reputation for its annual Connected Health Leadership Summit, participation in European Projects and its effective networking and communications strategy. The organisation has facilitated business, clinical, government and academic debate on subjects such as procurement, adoption, interoperability, best practice and reimbursement.
EuMHA's pioneering MHealth Ecosystem Initiative recognises the need to create permanent partnerships involving health and social care providers, companies and research organisations to realise the benefits of MHealth and Connected health. Following the successful creation of the first MHealth Ecosystems in Manchester, U.K., EuMHA has further projects planned for Finland and Catalonia and is considering requests from a number of other potential participants. ECHAlliance will maintain the EuMHA branding for the MHealth Ecosystems.
ECHAlliance will be formally launched in early January 2012, at which time the ECHAlliance Board of Directors and International Advisory Panel will be announced.