The growth of Internet applications in healthcare has been rapid. A growing number of patients are becoming increasingly involved in the healthcare service they receive. These 'power patients' possess characteristics that distinguish them from traditional patients and are an important factor in driving the use of the Internet in healthcare. 
System C Healthcare PLC ("System C") (AIM:SYS), the provider of specialist IT products and services to the healthcare sector announces a significant strategic step into the private healthcare market with the acquisition of IQ Systems Services Ltd ("IQ") for a maximum consideration of £2.16m.
IQ is a leading supplier of patient management and clinical software solutions for private treatment centres and hospitals.
Improved efficiency and patient safety, better cost containment and the desire to provide integrated healthcare are some of the major factors driving the growth of the European electronic medical record (EMR) markets. EMR offers healthcare providers the opportunity to better manage patient data, create reports and work in an integrated manner, resulting in reduced costs and superior care delivery. The SecNurse sends an alarm to the existing nurse call system when the sensor detects that someone has left the bed, caused for example, by a fall or wandering.
For decades the Hitachi name in life sciences and health care has been associated with innovation and medical breakthroughs. Through a diverse group of companies, Hitachi provides a wide range of solutions to these critical markets. It is a Hitachi company that has pioneered the way in breakthrough technologies such as proton beam therapy, DNA sequencers and applied medical biotechnology including intelligent operating rooms.