A West Midlands orthopaedic surgeon - the author of computer software which has helped revolutionise the dayto-day running of hospital theatres - has now signed a deal with University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire.
Richard Cherry returned to Coventry as a surgeon in 1995, having worked in the city in the early 70s when he was a junior trainee.
Over the years he had developed a deep frustration with the computer software used in hospitals across the country and believed it to be a hindrance rather than a help in the organisation of work.
So, together with colleague Andrew Hayes - an information officer with University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire - they formed the company Richanha Tec and devised "Galen" software.
The computer tool - named after a Greco Roman physician - has been trialled for free in Rugby Hospital, Walsgrave and the Coventry and Warwickshire over the past two years and has been an outstanding success.
Now a deal has been struck - with the help of Leamington law firm Wright Hassall - in order for the software to be used under licence for a further 12 months.
Mr Cherry said: "I had financed the free trial myself in order prove its worth and I think it speaks volumes that the hospital now wants to pay to continue to use it - there could be no better testament.
"The software works on two levels which is what separates it from all other tools of this kind.
"It assists in the day-to-day management of patients but also produces reports to aid with the overall, long-term management.
"Historically, the two have been separate and have been mainly 'non-medical' reports. Galen helps in a myriad of ways - everything from tracking patients and diagnostic details to making sure surgeons can not book leave when they are due in theatre."
Because of its flexibility, it is believed that the software will save time, money and ultimately provide the most accurate information possible to surgeons and hospital staff.
The deal with University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire is the first to be signed, but several independent and NHS hospitals have made inquiries about utilising its capabilities.
Mr Cherry added: "There is a great deal of confusion over when and how a national system will be introduced and I believe many hospitals see Galen as a great stop-gap between now and when the national system comes on stream.
"That might not be the most aggressive marketing ploy for us but I think it is the most sensible."
Laurie Heizler, of the 200-strong law firm Wright Hassall, said: "Once a product has been used on a trial basis, it might seem an easy step to then turn that into a formal contract.
"However, there are still several legalities to put into place and that is where we came in.
"The software looks like it will play a major role in our local hospitals in the short term and I wish Richard and Andrew every success."
