A MALVERN-based computer systems supplier has sold half of its business to a leading health company to help stay at the forefront of technology.

Hadley Health Care Limited has sold 50 per cent of its share capital to Co-op Health Care Limited for an undisclosed sum.

As part of the arrangement, the Co-op will inject substantial funds into Hadley Healthcare to enable the further development and marketing of Hadley's eclipse patient medical record computer system, which has proved popular since it was launched in August last year.

The system helps pharmacists to accurately assess how much money is owed to the National Health Service, as well as ensuring patients do not take drugs that clash with one another.

Mike Hadley, who is a pharmacist by trade, will remain managing director of the company, which has around 20 employees. He welcomed the partnership as a way of furthering the aims and developments of the company.

"This is a tremendous boost for us," he said. "The Co-op investment will ensure that the eclipse patient medical record system, which is already a technological market leader, will continue to develop."

He added that it would provide the necessary capital to keep the company as a major force for many years to come.

Co-op Health Care is the country's largest regional pharmacy chain, with 124 pharmacies located in the North, North West and the West Midlands.

Artie Chambers, general manager of Co-op Health Care, said Hadley's patient medical record system was one of the leading systems in the country.

"We are very impressed with Hadley's eclipse PMR system and it has performed exceptionally well in pharmacy trials."

Future developments at Hadley healthcare will include a comprehensive head office and data analysis package.