TAUNTON-based health technology company Predictive Health Intelligence (PHI) has been chosen by the Department for Business and Trade to be part of the UK government’s trade mission to a key conference in Dubai next year.

Working with the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, PHI has developed a computer system that scans existing blood test results to analyse long term trends that could show a higher risk of developing liver disease.

By doing this, patients can be called to see a specialist and, if necessary, given advice and treatment to stop serious illness developing.

PHI’s medical director and consultant gastroenterologist at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust Dr Tim Jobson said: “So far over 200 patients in need of further care have been identified using the system, with patients having various additional investigations, clinic assessments and, for some, new medication, stopping them developing serious disease.

"Only four of these people were already known to the NHS."

He added: "We are very excited to be taking this innovation to Dubai, as part of the UK team.”

The Arab Health Exhibition and Congress is the largest event of its kind in the Middle East, providing a platform for the world's leading manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors to meet the medical and scientific community from the Middle East and beyond.

The show attracts more than 130,000 healthcare professionals from 163 countries all around the globe.

Managing director Neil Stevens said “This is a great opportunity for us as the focus of the event is the future of healthcare, and how new technology can make a real difference in the years to come.

"We know that our system is good for patients and the NHS and we’re looking forward to telling more people about it.”

David Shannon, director of strategy and digital development at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are very pleased to be partnering with PHI, finding patients at risk of liver disease before they develop symptoms.

"This conference is a great opportunity to show the innovative work that we’re doing in Somerset and how it can have wider significance.”