Clipper Ventures and PRAXES Medical Group launch new business

by Marina Thomas on 13 Dec 2014 Clipper Ventures Plc and its Global Medical Emergency Support Partner, PRAXES Medical Group, are launching a new joint venture which arose from their partnership in the last edition of the Clipper Race.

The new service ClipperTelemed+™ will provide fast emergency and general medical support from its doctors to those on yachts, superyachts and commercial ships around the world. Custom medical kits and equipment will also be marketed as part of a complete medical support service.

The joint venture arose out of PRAXES’s highly successful fleet sponsorship in the Clipper 2013-14 Round the World Yacht Race. That partnership has led to a significant increase in exposure for the Canadian company’s global medical services.

Clipper Race Founder and Chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail solo, nonstop, around the world in 1968/9, said: 'We are pleased to launch this new joint venture. It is a result of our success as partners in the last edition of the race.

'Top quality medical advice will now be available for other ships 24/7, through the use of modern technology. This will give peace of mind for the company or ship owner, crew, family and guests.

'ClipperTelemed+™ doctors have specific telemedicine training and are highly experienced in providing remote advice at sea. We want to offer the same support service that we use to other mariners.'

John Hockin, VP of Marketing for PRAXES, said studies have identified that the use telemedicine in marine applications can have positive financial impacts.

'ClipperTelemed+™ may reduce the need for diversions to port as some medical conditions can be managed on board. Our doctors are able to remotely review medical histories using available details/photos and prescribe suitable drugs from the easy-to-use medical kits we supply,' explained Mr Hockin.

'Often there are limited options for a medical evacuation and no rapid access to x-rays or hi-tech hospital equipment so the service provides peace of mind in the world’s most remote and dangerous environments.'

As part of the new service ClipperTelemed+™ is also looking for a Business Development Manager to develop the market for medical support and medical kits in the yachting and commercial shipping markets.