As a first step, System C has launched integrated digital pen technology into its Medway Maternity software. Midwives are able to take notes and complete assessment forms out in the community, using the pens to write on special paper, and then transmit the data by mobile phone securely back to the Medway Maternity software on the host computer.

"If you are familiar with using a pen and a mobile phone, then you already know everything you need to use digital pens to record patient assessments in the community," said Jane Clark, clinical systems delivery director at System C.

"Midwives don't need to make any changes to their working practices, they are freed from repeatedly having to record the same information, and are able to concentrate on the mother and her assessment rather than on the technology."

Completed notes and maternity booking forms can be left, where appropriate, with the mother as part of her hand held record. Another copy appears in the maternity unit computer for backup and inclusion in that patient's notes. The Medway maternity software can read the incoming form electronically and store the information in the electronic patient record – exactly as if it had been entered directly on to the screen.

Edward Belgeonne, CEO of Destiny, commented: "We are delighted with the adoption of Destiny technology by System C. The midwives do a fantastic job and this technology used out in the community will support their efficient practices and save them valuable time."

Ian Denley, chief executive of System C, said the partnership with Destiny and the integration of digital pen technology to the Medway product suite was part of a wider company strategy. "We are committed to integrating the most advanced technologies and devices into Medway in order to help Trusts drive forward efficiency gains," he said. "Touch screens, SMS texting, digital pens and self-service kiosks are exciting examples of how we are achieving this."

The Destiny pens do not require expensive pre-prepared forms and can work with individually-prepared forms. Forms can also be pre-printed with the patient data - family history, medical history, delivery information for example.

Medway Maternity, System C's specialist maternity system, covers the first booking visit, all antenatal care including fetal medicine, and all aspects of labour management, postnatal care and discharge information. The software is modular and can stand-alone or form part of a full Medway PAS/EPR solution.

Related news articles:

• System C Healthcare's Profile

About System C Healthcare plc
System C Healthcare plc (www.systemc.com), specialises in the design and development of clinical patient management and business intelligence software, and provides systems implementation and consulting services to the health sector.

System C Healthcare is quoted on the London Stock Exchange's Alternative Investment Market.

About Destiny
Destiny is the registered trademark for Destiny Wireless plc, a world leader in the business market for the delivery of mobile workforce solutions. Destiny is a global Platinum Partner of Anoto Group AB, one of five in the world and the only one in the UK. Destiny owns the IP rights if the Logitech io2 digital pen, making them one of two digital pen manufacturers in the world.

Destiny enables organisations with mobile workforces to get fast returns from high technology at low cost, with little or no training, change to working practices or upfront capital. The Destiny digital pen is based on Anoto Digital Pen and Paper technology and replaces paperwork delays and expensive journeys back to the office with an easy-to-use and energy efficient way of collecting accurate, reliable data from the field and transmitting it back to base in seconds.

Destiny's services include digital pens; digitise forms, mobile devices and web-based tools doe the efficient collection and management of data from the field, effective job push and allocation, resource management, intelligent scheduling and asset tracking. For more information please visit www.destinyplc.com.