Precept Health signs on 39 hospitals in Thailand

MEDIA RELEASE

23rd April 2012

Auckland, New Zealand

Precept Health signs on 39 hospitals in Thailand

Precept Health has just signed a deal in Thailand that will see its revolutionary medical software and equipment implemented in 39 hospitals in the country.

This brings Precept’s global hospital total to 46, an impressive result from a Kiwi company that has humble beginnings at Massey University’s ecentre.

Precept’s innovative medical device integrates all patient physiology information from several medical devices into a 360 degree view of the patient, empowering clinicians to make life and death decisions supported by physiology facts.

Biomedical engineer Tony Blomfield, CEO of Precept Health, has been doing research work on medical devices all his life. During the 80’s and 90’s while working for multinationals, Blomfield realised the potential for New Zealand to compete in the global marketplace in this area.

“I had a dream that if we could do this in New Zealand,” says Blomfield. “Why wouldn’t we?”

Returning from overseas in 1994, Blomfield continued contract work on medical software. In 2002, a major heart attack led Blomfield to re-evaluate and give it one last shot. But in order for the business to work, he had to head offshore.

Blomfield credits New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) and the Ministry of Science and Innovation (MSI) with much of Precept’s success. Linking in with them in 2005 enabled him to take Precept to a global market, develop new technology, go on trade missions overseas and connect with the right people who wanted his software.

“I am doubtful we would be where we are without them,” says Blomfield. “They took away the barriers to going international, and made it possible for us one way or another.”

NZTE’s Programme Manager of Health, George Arnold, hopes Precept’s international achievements will show other New Zealand health innovators what is possible.

“New Zealand is increasingly being recognised as a nation of creative minds and problem solvers,” says Arnold. “When we come across a healthcare challenge, we don’t throw our hands up; we devise a solution. It’s fantastic to see companies like Precept embracing that mindset and developing cost-effective solutions that health providers around the world are looking for.”

A visit to San Diego led to Bangkok connections and finally Precept Health’s first deal with Temerloh hospital in Malaysia. Meeting with Terrie Lloyd in Japan became another step towards taking the product internationally. Discussing the Asian deals led to Lloyd raising investment for Precept. From that point, Blomfield received many phone calls from people keen to know more about his company.

Steve Corbett , CEO of Massey University’s ecentre, knew Blomfield could realise his dream.

“The ecentre has stood by us through thick and thin,” says Blomfield. “When we had hardware to develop, they helped us work with MSI. Steve is the guy you can go to when times are tough, and you could never put a value on that.”

Precept Health’s software and equipment is now in Malaysia, the United States, The Kingdom of Brunei, Thailand and Switzerland. “We are suddenly a company that matters,” states Blomfield “Because we care.”

-Ends-

About Precept Health:

For more information about Precept Health and their innovative medical device visit www.precepthealth.com

About NZTE:

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise is New Zealand’s economic development and trade promotion agency. Their role is to help New Zealand businesses grow bigger, better, faster in international markets.

NZTE offers strategic advice, access to networks and influencers, research and market intelligence, and targeted financial support to help businesses on their international journey, and work to promote and support the growth of New Zealand business overseas. www.nzte.govt.nz

About ecentre:

ecentre Massey, the business innovation centre at Massey University Albany, specialises in helping people take their ideas from Garage to Global. Whether you have a great idea, need help to develop your business further or want to invest in start-up businesses, the ecentre can help. Their expert team and network of associates are positioned to provide the support and guidance your company needs to succeed.

www.ecentre.org.nz

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