The web-based system, used initially for pathology and radiology records at the private hospital, gives consultants remote access to patients test results and scans and helps clinicians with actual diagnosis, any time and anywhere in the world, through the use of a computer or hand-held device at a patients bedside or next to an operating table.

The only system capable of sharing all forms of electronic images, PiRiLiS will eventually be used by doctors from outside surgeries who send their patients to the Windsor hospital for imaging and pathology tests.

The system, also used by the A and E department, St Marys Hospital, Paddington, is being trialed in the worlds largest radiology department at the University of Southern California (USC).

Rosie Faunch, executive director of the Princess Margaret Hospital, said at the launch: It is crucial for consultants to have a quick and reliable access to both patient records and diagnosing test results, and the PiRiLiS system allows this to happen.

Consultants can keep in touch while off site and  respond to changes and initiate treatment as and when required, rather than having to make a phone call.

PiRiLiS has massive potential as it brings all the records together in one place.

ComMedica is owned by Imperial College, ComMedica employees and other investors and was launched in June 1999 after being devised by Professor Richard Kitney, technical director, strategic director and deputy chairman, and Dr Stefan Claesen and Dr Ravi Bickram, department of biological and medical systems, now  department of bioengineering.

To safeguard patient confidentiality, sophisticated security procedures on a par with those used in online banking and by the military, were built in to PiRiLiS.

As well as username and password security, the system uses SSL encrypted software to ensure that only authorised personnel can access the database.

 It can also automatically email request forms to a pharmacist when a prescription needs renewing, as well as protect against data loss through automatic backup to an additional server. ComMedica commissioned a survey to find out what GPs thought of the system.

Two thirds agreed patient care would improve when electronic patient records were available, and 48 per cent agreed loss of records slowed diagnosis which a further 24 per cent said had caused incorrect drugs to be administered. Twenty per cent added that loss of records had caused extended treatment for patients.

ComMedica chief executive, Mark Simon, commented: PiRiLiS has far-reaching benefits to clinicians throughout the world, helping them make better decisions. In short, it will save lives.

Its a unique technology which, through its pioneering research work, could easily change the speed and quality of health care technology in the NHS.

For further information, contact www.comMedica.com or info@commedica.com.