ScriptSwitch is the leading provider of software designed to support GPs with patient safety information, drug switch recommendations and dosage optimisation information at the point of prescribing.
It emerged from a small team working out of Warwick University who succeeded in turning their concept into a robust and scalable business.
At time of investment Livingbridge partner, Matthew Caffrey, said, “ScriptSwitch is a rare example of a business that has developed a unique product and created its own market opportunity from scratch. With our support, we are confident that management will continue to develop the business in what is an exciting sector with significant further growth potential.” ScriptSwitch had first-mover advantage and it was clear that it needed a stronger platform to enable it to grow – and fast. Key senior executives were added to the team, and the capital invested by Livingbridge enabled investment in the infrastructure of the business.
- Key appointments were made in the form of financial director, sales director and chairman.
- During our three-year investment period, the number of patients with access to the ScriptSwitch service increased by more than 250%.
- Supporting infrastructure was put in place, with Mike Washburn, CEO, commenting, “Our customer base was growing very quickly so we needed to recruit more staff, and find new premises; but we also needed a partner who would not only help us in securing a financial advantage to achieve this but also provide that next level of expertise to help us in recruitment, business planning and strategic direction. Livingbridge had a great understanding of the primary care market and seemed capable of helping us grow our human capital side rather than just the financial side.”
- ScriptSwitch’s success in improving both patient safety and delivering cost-savings on prescribed drugs meant that it was used by more than 60% of UK Primary Care Organisations in 2010, a year in which annualised savings to the NHS exceeded £20 million.
