CALGARY – Strata Health Solutions is showing that innovative Canadian software developers can successfully export their solutions around the world. The Calgary-based developer of a proprietary patient flow solution launched its international strategy in 2008, with an office in London, England. Since that initial investment, the company has annually deployed multiple long-term NHS contracts across England and Scotland.

“The U.K. market was well-positioned to benefit from our Canadian patient to care matching referral technology,” said Don Schick (pictured), Strata Health president and founder. “The first few years were challenging, to say the least, but when NHS and Social Services leaders saw we were committed to a long-term local presence and brought real practical innovation to the system, the business just took off.”

He added, “Now, we can’t imagine not doing business in Europe. It’s core to our future, and the international experience has added terrific contacts and perspectives for the benefit of our Canadian team and clients.”

Currently, Strata Health is a National Finalist for the annual HSJ Awards for excellence in leveraging technology for integrated care.

Expanding on its success in the United Kingdom, in 2015 Strata opened offices in France and Australia. To start, the business in France is focusing on intelligent patient referrals supporting ophthalmic specialties, while in Australia, Strata has begun with smart patient matching to chronic disease eConsults and eReferrals.

“It’s the only way we know how to approach new markets,” said Schick. “Just as in our core Canadian market, clients need to know we’re there to support and stand behind project outcomes for the long term. No question in our mind, that’s what builds confidence, trust and a competitive advantage, for both the product and the company.

“In return, the market growth builds Strata’s financial base, and allows us to continue our Canadian-based R&D investments in population analytics, surgical referral and a truly dynamic service catalog. Everyone wins.”

Dr. William Lumb, CCIO for NHS Cumbria CCG, said: “Strata listened to our patient flow issues way back in 2012, and painted a picture of how they could be our Air Traffic Control across the total enterprise, and they’ve delivered on that vision each step of the way. Now they’re getting the recognition for that long term view.”

Schick commented that 2016 will see further new market announcements. “Discussions in several new markets are well advanced, and we look forward to related client and product announcements this year.”

Benefitting from this expansion, a new virtual International User Group is being launched in Q1 2016 to allow users from all markets to share front-line experience and innovative deployments, while building consensus towards a common ‘best practice vision.’

“Canadian technology firms can compete at the highest levels internationally, if they approach these markets with persistence and integrity,” Schick commented. “Canadians have a great cultural reputation on the world stage, but we need to back it up with a local presence and a long term vision. At Strata, we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

About Strata Health
Strata Health leverages technology to achieve dramatic patient-flow improvement within health systems. Our clients say they’ve entrusted us with the job of creating patient-flow solutions that achieve real benefits for patients, their families and the world’s devoted front-line caregivers. For more Information please contact Daniela Lockhard at 1-866-556-5005 Ext. 4100 or Daniela@stratahealth.com or visit www.stratahealth.com.