2nd September 2010
Review of Dr Foster Intelligence
The future of Dr Foster Intelligence, one of the UK’s main providers of information, analysis and targeted communications to health and social care organisations, is under review, the Department of Health and Dr Foster Holdings LLP have announced on 9 August.
The review will explore strategic options for the future of Dr Foster Intelligence. This follows the recent White Paper Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS, which stated the Government’s commitment to the introduction of an NHS information revolution, providing patients with quality information and data on all aspects of healthcare.
Combined with the right support, the aim is to increase the use of healthcare informatics to create better care, outcomes and reduced costs. The review will ensure that Dr Foster Intelligence is best placed to meet this challenge.
Dr Foster Intelligence was launched in 2006 as a joint venture between the NHS Information Centre and Dr Foster Holdings LLP. The NHS Information Centre transferred its shareholding to the Department of Health on 9 July 2010. The Department of Health owns a 48.75 per cent stake with 51.25 per cent held by Dr Foster Holdings LLP. The recent acquisition of Dr Foster Research by Dr Foster Intelligence has increased its scope and will provide opportunities for expansion in other sectors and overseas.
This review is in line with the Government’s policy to maximise the value of assets and commercial opportunities as explained in the findings of the Arm’s Length Bodies Review.
Health Minister Simon Burns said:
“In the White Paper ‘Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS’, we set out a vision for an information revolution to give patients greater choice and control. We will publish our information strategy paper in the Autumn. This review will ensure that the Department of Health is making the most of Dr Foster Intelligence.”
Dr Foster Intelligence Chief Executive, Tom Moloney said:
“As one of the most respected brands in the healthcare sector, Dr Foster Intelligence offers comprehensive data to health and social care organisations to help them make better decisions about their budgets and patient care. With the increased emphasis on healthcare information in the White Paper, this is the right time to embark a review of Dr Foster Intelligence. We will work with our partners to consider the best options for the company and the shareholders.”
Contacts
NDS Enquiries
Phone: For enquiries please contact the Department of Health (DH) Media Centre on 020 7210 5221 or Dr Foster Intelligence press office on 020 7332 8837.
Email:ndsenquiries@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Notes to editors
1. The Department of Health, Dr Foster Holdings LLP and Dr Foster Intelligence have jointly appointed KPMG to support the strategic review of Dr Foster Intelligence. To contribute to the review, please e-mail DFI@dh.gsi.gov.uk.
2. Widely known for its annual ‘Hospital Guide’, bespoke analytics, research and social marketing activity, Dr Foster Intelligence provides NHS organisations with quality information to help them improve patient care and gain better value for money.
3. For the year ending 31 December 2009, Dr Foster Intelligence generated revenues of £22.1 million. On 1 April 2010, Dr Foster Intelligence’s holding company acquired Dr Foster Research Limited (DFR) in a share-for-share exchange. For the year ending 31 December 2009, DFR generated revenues of £1.9 million.
4. The acquisition of DFR is expected to give the enlarged group access to a number of growth opportunities outside of the NHS, including local government, the independent sector, the pharmaceutical industry and internationally.
5. For further information, please contact the Department of Health Newsdesk on 020 7210 5221 or Dr Foster Intelligence press office on 020 7332 8837.
(Source – News Distribution Service for Government and the Public Sector)