ClearCourse acquires healthcare software provider Blue Zinc
London | 07 September 2022 - ClearCourse, a leading group of innovative technology brands providing software solutions and an integrated payments platform, today announces the acquisition of Blue Zinc. Founded in 2002, Blue Zinc provides innovative solutions for the management of patient referrals, clinical pathways and clinics for the physical (physiotherapy and wider musculoskeletal) and mental health segments in the healthcare sector. The company will form part of ClearCourse’s Business Services division and expands the latter’s growing footprint in the healthcare space.
Blue Zinc’s flagship digital solutions are designed to cater to a customer base with specialist demands: up to a thousand small- to medium-sized clinics deploy TM3, the company’s flagship clinic management product, while leading corporates such as Vita Health Group champion Blue Zinc’s Caseflow and Pronto solutions. Blue Zinc’s Corporate solutions enable the delivery of a range of healthcare services through the efficient digital management of patient referrals, clinical pathways and treatments. It provides an integrated digital platform for all stakeholders including funders, patients, case managers and clinics (including third party networks).
At a time of acute demand for tailored mental health treatment, with surgeries ramping up specialist support, Blue Zinc this year launched its latest offering, Click, as the first clinic management solution designed specifically for the talking therapies market. The business has been operating in Australia since 2006 and recently acquired Collab IT, a software company that distributed its product suite in the region.
Based in Belfast, Blue Zinc shares key synergies with ClearCourse’s existing clinic management software businesses: e-clinic, PPM and Assisi
(formerly Practice Point). The company’s integration with ClearCourse presents multiple benefits, including the opportunity to implement the proprietary payments platform ClearAccept, and for Blue Zinc to grow with the investment and guidance of the ClearCourse team. Blue Zinc’s next chapter will focus on expanding the company’s base of clients into global markets, while building new healthcare products. The business will also continue to support the efficient collection of clinical data, enabling international treatments to be continually developed and improved.
Following the deal, co-founders and current joint Managing Directors Kyle Lunn and Ronnie Johnston will continue with the company, overseeing Blue Zinc’s strategic direction.
Gerry Gualtieri, CEO of ClearCourse, said: “Healthcare is one of the country’s most crucial sectors, and one in which we stand to see the most significant material benefits from tailored software and technology. Blue Zinc’s work across the MSK and mental health segments is a testament to this, with 1 in 4 individuals affected by 200 MSK different conditions which account for some 30% of GP consultations in England. We are delighted to welcome a company that exhibits such clear dedication and potential for growth, as we look forward to supporting another brilliant British business that underpins the provision of vital care.”
Kyle Lunn, Managing Director of Blue Zinc, said: “Over the last twenty years, we are proud of becoming a valued and well-established provider of innovation across health technology, especially at a time when the demand for healthcare services is increasing exponentially. With ClearCourse’s support, we plan to scale and extend the services we provide to our existing clients, who play a vital role in the physical and mental wellbeing of patients worldwide, while bringing innovation to new areas of healthcare. This is an ambitious and thoroughly exciting prospect for our skilled team.”
The financial terms of the deal are undisclosed.
