Patientline is begining to reach critical mass with its penetration of the NHS.
This from their website:
"The market-leading pioneer of bedside communication and entertainment services within the NHS healthcare sector since 1994.
We offer a comprehensive solution partnering Trusts in delivering digital TV, telephone, free 24hr radio, internet, email and information services direct to bedside.
Our state of the art technology delivers a range of Trust focused facilities designed to reduce hospital staff workload thereby improving patient care.
Patientline is exclusively focused on providing bedside services and remains committed to improving the hospital experience for patients and streamlining patient care for our hospitals.
Patientline continues to be the market leader in offering bedside communication and entertainment services."

A round of fundraising in June 2002 saw the company raise 128m - this on top of 40 from its flotation in March 2001.
On 15th December, PTL delivered a strong set of results which reassured many in the city that the company is on track to corner the patient bedside information/comms/entertainement niche in the NHS.

The rollout is going to plan and PTL now has 51% share of the hospitals in its target market with 19% yet to decide.

Revenues are now at 16.1m - up 77% in the first half, with operating margins up from 44% to 50%.

PTL's business plan is augmented by the Government's Patient Power Directive which is promting bedside TV and communication services and has stipulated that any hospital >400 beds must have contracted a service provider by end of 2004.

However compelling the core business is , the exciting kicker here could be provided with the possiblity of dislpay of electronic patient records at the bedside. For anyone who has worked in the NHS and experienced the frustration of being slow - or even unable - to find patients notes, especially in emergencies, this could be very important if PTL's network is used to facilitate the bedside delivery of the Integrated Care Records Service.

Techncially, the stock looks strong having broken out of a 4 month consolidation.
Next level seems to be around 1.40 however any more positive newsflow could drive it quickly back to old highs over the 2 mark.
With the next few months seeing a number of key NHS IT contracts being awarded, 2004 could well be a pivotal year for PTL.

Please DYOR.

I have a brokers note should anyone care to read more - email me at ninadan@hotmail.com
http://www.patientline.co.uk

94.5p now

Sad , made a packet on these a couple of years ago , hope you didn't follow your own advice and buy at 60p hyleo.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6449557.stm

Hospital mobile phone ban lifted

A ban on patients and doctors using mobile phones in hospitals in England is to be lifted this spring, the government has announced.
Restrictions have been in place because of concerns phones could interfere with medical equipment.