Latest news with #HIE
The National
5 days ago
- Business
- The National
Scottish Highland port receives £24 million in funding
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has announced it will invest £24.2m at Kishorn Port, west Highlands, with plans to expand its dry dock and develop land so that floating offshore wind foundations can be manufactured at the site. The expanded facilities could attract projects with the potential to create up to 1500 jobs once the port is fully developed, HES has said. READ MORE: Battery storage site on greenfield land given go-ahead Kishorn was used in the 1970s for the construction of the Ninian Central oil production platform, which at the time was the world's largest floating concrete structure and has one of the largest openings of any dry dock facility in Europe. The investment forms part of the Scottish Government's commitment of up to £500m over five years to develop ports and offshore wind energy supply chain. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes (below) said the investment is a 'clear signal' from the Scottish Government which will help boost confidence in potential investors. (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) She said: 'This is one of the most significant public investments in our port infrastructure in decades. It is crucial to ensuring Kishorn Port and the communities it supports can reap the benefits of the global renewables market. 'It is a clear signal from the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise that will give investors the confidence to invest millions more in the area's wider infrastructure, economy and people.' HEI said Kishorn Port will play a crucial role in supporting current offshore wind developments and is 'well positioned' to capitalise on future opportunities extending beyond Scotland. READ MORE: Scotch whisky festival and retailer announces shock closure with 'heavy heart' Stuart Black, HIE chief executive, said the proposed dry dock expansion and land reclamation will greatly enhance the port's ability to support offshore wind projects. He said: 'Offshore wind presents a massive opportunity for the Highlands and Islands and Kishorn is one of several ports that are at the heart of this. The facility has provided skilled jobs in a rural area for many decades and this is likely to grow significantly, which is vital to community resilience in a priority west coast location. 'The proposed dry dock expansion and land reclamation will greatly enhance the port's capacity to support offshore wind and the contribution it makes to Scotland's economy. I'm delighted that we've been able to secure this significant additional funding for the region and look forward to continuing to work with Kishorn Port Ltd as the project develops.' Kishorn Port Limited director, Alasdair Ferguson, said with a quarry on site at the port it is well situated to make floating offshore wind sub-structures. He said: 'This is a significant milestone in the continuing development of Kishorn Port. The port expansion will provide the catalyst for the support and creation of jobs within Wester Ross and the wider Highlands, benefiting communities across the area. We're grateful to Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Government for their support. 'With the quarry on site, Kishorn Port is ideally suited to concrete manufacturing of floating offshore wind sub-structures, with local content, laydown, marshalling, and long-term integration and assembly possible at the port as part of the wider project in the long-term.'
The National
6 days ago
- Business
- The National
Highland port receives £24 million in funding
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has announced it will invest £24.2m at Kishorn Port, west Highlands, with plans to expand its dry dock and develop land so that floating offshore wind foundations can be manufactured at the site. The expanded facilities could attract projects with the potential to create up to 1500 jobs once the port is fully developed, HES has said. Kishorn was used in the 1970s for the construction of the Ninian Central oil production platform, which at the time was the world's largest floating concrete structure and has one of the largest openings of any dry dock facility in Europe. READ MORE: Battery storage site on greenfield land given go-ahead The investment forms part of the Scottish Government's commitment of up to £500m over five years to develop ports and offshore wind energy supply chain. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes (below) said the investment is a 'clear signal' from the Scottish Government which will help boost confidence in potential investors. (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) She said: 'This is one of the most significant public investments in our port infrastructure in decades. It is crucial to ensuring Kishorn Port and the communities it supports can reap the benefits of the global renewables market. 'It is a clear signal from the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise that will give investors the confidence to invest millions more in the area's wider infrastructure, economy and people.' HEI said Kishorn Port will play a crucial role in supporting current offshore wind developments and is 'well positioned' to capitalise on future opportunities extending beyond Scotland. Stuart Black, HIE chief executive, said the proposed dry dock expansion and land reclamation will greatly enhance the port's ability to support offshore wind projects. He said: 'Offshore wind presents a massive opportunity for the Highlands and Islands and Kishorn is one of several ports that are at the heart of this. The facility has provided skilled jobs in a rural area for many decades and this is likely to grow significantly, which is vital to community resilience in a priority west coast location. 'The proposed dry dock expansion and land reclamation will greatly enhance the port's capacity to support offshore wind and the contribution it makes to Scotland's economy. I'm delighted that we've been able to secure this significant additional funding for the region and look forward to continuing to work with Kishorn Port Ltd as the project develops.' Kishorn Port Limited director, Alasdair Ferguson, said with a quarry on site at the port it is well situated to make floating offshore wind sub-structures. He said: 'This is a significant milestone in the continuing development of Kishorn Port. The port expansion will provide the catalyst for the support and creation of jobs within Wester Ross and the wider Highlands, benefiting communities across the area. We're grateful to Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Government for their support. 'With the quarry on site, Kishorn Port is ideally suited to concrete manufacturing of floating offshore wind sub-structures, with local content, laydown, marshalling, and long-term integration and assembly possible at the port as part of the wider project in the long-term.'
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Healthcare Information Exchange Market Trends, Opportunities, and Forecast, 2020-2024 & 2025-2030: Government Initiatives Propel Growth, Competitive Landscape, The Rise of AI and IoT Innovations
Key opportunities in the Healthcare Information Exchange market include increased digitization of healthcare, technological advancements like AI and IoT for improved data security and real-time sharing, government support for standardization and privacy, cost-efficiency measures, and enhanced patient-centric care models. Healthcare Information Exchange Market Dublin, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Healthcare Information Exchange Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2020-2030F" report has been added to Healthcare Information Exchange Market was valued at USD 1.45 Billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 2.48 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 9.36% The Global Healthcare Information Exchange (HIE) Market is experiencing significant growth and transformation, driven by the increasing digitization of healthcare systems, growing demand for efficient data sharing, and a focus on improving patient care and outcomes. This market overview provides insights into the key drivers, challenges, trends, and opportunities shaping the HIE landscape worldwide. Moreover, Government support for healthcare information technology to improve care quality is another key driver. For instance, in May 2023, Ontario launched a health information exchange (HIE) system called eHub to improve patient care. This system, enabled by Oracle, allows 21 hospitals to securely share patient data, making communication more efficient and reducing the administrative burden. This collaboration between healthcare providers and TransForm aims to enhance care coordination for Ontarians. Regional InsightsNorth America emerged as the dominant region in the global Healthcare Information Exchange market in 2022, holding the largest market share in terms of value. The presence of numerous healthcare providers, hospitals, and clinics drives the demand for HIE solutions to enhance patient care and streamline operations. Strong Regulatory Environment: The United States has robust data privacy regulations like HIPAA, which mandate secure and interoperable data exchange in regulatory framework has stimulated HIE adoption as healthcare organizations strive to achieve compliance. Technological Advancements: North America is a global hub for healthcare technology innovation. The region has witnessed significant investments in electronic health records (EHRs), telehealth, and interoperability solutions, fostering the growth of the HIE market. Large and Diverse Population: The North American region's large and diverse population demands efficient healthcare data exchange to ensure patient-centric care, care coordination, and public health several strategic activities in the region by key market players, such as the launch of new technology, collaborations, and partnerships. For instance, according to the news reported on March 2024, Orion Health group of companies inaugurated the "State Health Data Center of Excellence (SHDCoE)" in the U.S. The primary focus of this strategic launch was to engage in new collaborations and be an innovation hub to elevate regional Health Information Exchange (HIE) operations in the health information exchange market was identified as a lucrative region in this industry. The increasing awareness in the government about the importance of healthcare data, investments in data centers, strategic partnerships, and advanced technologies are attributable to the growth in Europe. For instance, as per the news the World Health Organization published in December 2023, WHO and the European Commission entered into a partnership to support healthcare services for about 1 billion people, strengthen health information systems, and boost health data governance and interoperability in the European Region. This project cost USD 13.0 million and was supported by the European government. Such initiatives propelled the market growth and are expected to function similarly in the coming Insights Setup InsightBased on Setup, the private HIE segment emerged as the dominant player in the global market for Healthcare Information Exchange in 2024. Private HIEs give healthcare organizations greater control over patient data, ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations like HIPAA in the United States or GDPR in Europe. This control instills trust among patients that their sensitive health information is handled with care and in accordance with legal requirements. Customization: Private HIEs allow healthcare entities to tailor the system to their specific needs and workflows. This customization ensures that the HIE aligns seamlessly with existing processes, optimizing efficiency and usability. Data Security: By maintaining a private HIE, organizations can implement their security measures and protocols. This level of control mitigates security risks and minimizes the potential for data breaches, which is especially critical in the healthcare sector. Patient Access: Private HIEs empower patients by providing them with secure access to their health records and information. This access fosters active engagement in their healthcare journey and encourages them to take ownership of their health. Transparency: Patients appreciate transparency in their care. Private HIEs allow patients to view their test results, treatment plans, and medical history, creating a transparent and trusting relationship between patients and healthcare providers. Telehealth Integration: Many private HIEs offer integrated telehealth capabilities, allowing patients to participate in virtual consultations and receive remote care. This convenience and accessibility enhance patient satisfaction. Application InsightBased Application, the web portal development segment emerged as the dominant player in the global market for Healthcare Information Exchange in 2024. Web portals provide a user-friendly interface that healthcare providers, patients, and other stakeholders find easy to navigate. This accessibility encourages adoption and active engagement. The dominance of web portals in the Global Healthcare Information Exchange Market is a result of their accessibility, user-friendliness, real-time data sharing, patient-centered approach, and robust data security. These applications empower healthcare providers and patients alike by offering seamless access to critical healthcare information and enabling efficient collaboration. Web portals prioritize data privacy and compliance with regulations, ensuring that patient data remains secure and protected. In a healthcare landscape that values patient engagement, timely information sharing, and data security, web portals have emerged as the preferred application for HIE. Universal Access: Web-based portals are accessible from any device with an internet connection, making them a versatile tool for healthcare data exchange. Users can access critical patient information on desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Patient Empowerment: Patients appreciate the simplicity and accessibility of web portals, as they can easily access their medical records, lab results, appointment schedules, and communicate with healthcare providers. This empowerment enhances patient engagement and satisfaction. End-User InsightsBased on End-User, healthcare providers segment emerged as the dominant player in the global market for Healthcare Information Exchange. Healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, and physician practices, are the primary users of patient data. They require access to comprehensive medical records, test results, and treatment history to make informed clinical decisions and provide optimal patient care. Timely Diagnoses and Treatment: Healthcare providers rely on HIE systems to access critical patient information quickly. Timely access to data enables faster diagnoses, treatment planning, and interventions, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Care Coordination: Healthcare providers often work in multidisciplinary teams to provide coordinated care to patients. HIE systems facilitate seamless data sharing and communication among these teams, leading to more effective care coordination. Streamlined Data Exchange: Healthcare providers heavily depend on efficient data sharing to avoid redundant tests, unnecessary procedures, and delays in care delivery. HIE systems streamline the exchange of patient data, reducing administrative overhead and improving workflow efficiency. Integration with EHR Systems: Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems are integral to healthcare providers' daily operations. HIE systems can seamlessly integrate with EHRs, ensuring that providers have immediate access to patient data within their familiar workflow. Improved Patient Engagement: HIE systems empower healthcare providers to engage patients more actively in their care. They can share medical records, test results, and treatment plans with patients through secure portals, fostering greater patient engagement and adherence to treatment regimens. These factors collectively contribute to the growth of this segment. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 182 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $1.45 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $2.48 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 9.3% Regions Covered Global Report Scope: Key Market Players Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc. Cerner Corporation Open Text Corporation Conifer Health Solutions Epic Corporation Inc. Infor, Inc Medicity, Inc. NextGen Healthcare Information Systems LLC Optum Inc. Orion Health Healthcare Information Exchange Market, By Implementation Model: Centralized /Consolidated Models Decentralized / Federated Models Hybrid Model Healthcare Information Exchange Market, By Setup Type: Private Public Healthcare Information Exchange Market, By Application: Internal Interfacing Secure Messaging Workflow Management Web portal Development Other Healthcare Information Exchange Market, By Exchange Type: Direct Exchange Query-based Exchange Consumer Mediated Exchange Healthcare Information Exchange Market, By Component: Enterprise Master Person Index (EMPI) Healthcare Provider Directory (HPD) Record Locator Service (RLS) Clinical Data Repository Other Healthcare Information Exchange Market, By End-User: Public Health Agencies Healthcare Providers Others Healthcare Information Exchange Market, By Region: North America United States Canada Mexico Europe France United Kingdom Italy Germany Spain Asia-Pacific China India Japan Australia South Korea South America Brazil Argentina Colombia Middle East & Africa South Africa Saudi Arabia UAE For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Healthcare Information Exchange Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The National
27-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Highlands and Islands residents split over £100bn investment plan
Not all see it that way, as I report below. The scale is described as 'unprecedented' for the Highlands and Islands, possibly even the whole of Scotland and much of the UK by the report's joint commissioner, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), with much investment coming by 2027. It encompasses onshore and offshore wind energy projects with resulting pylons, transmission cables and substations; green hydrogen facilities; marine biotech such as tidal capture; space technology; life sciences studies; and infrastructure including road transport upgrades, mainly set to be driven by private sector investment. Citing 251 planned development projects in the pipeline, 36,000 new housing units and 34,000 construction and operational jobs, this is said to far exceed other 'transformational' periods such as the post-war Highlands hydro development and oil and gas. Projects are dispersed across the region, including initiatives in Orkney and Shetland, Caithness and Sutherland, Lewis, Argyll and Kintyre, the Inner Moray Firth and down the Great Glen. Forbes chaired a meeting of the Scottish Government's Convention of the Highlands and Islands in Strathpeffer, Ross-shire, this month to view a presentation of the report alongside HIE chief executive Stuart Black, Highland Council leader Raymond Bremner and members of the regional economic partnership he heads. Forbes said: 'The challenge is now to capitalise on this promise. I look forward to working alongside our public and private-sector partners to deliver on this enormous potential, creating thousands of top-quality jobs for future generations.' Bremner also welcomed the report, highlighting the crucial role of local authorities and public-sector bodies in fostering sustainability. 'We stand on the brink of a once-in-a-generation opportunity for economic transformation,' he said. The meeting was sparsely attended by the public but caught the attention of Conservative and Unionist Party Highland Councillor Helen Crawford (Aird and Loch Ness Ward). She later said: 'Decision-makers around the table were asked to identify to what extent they could become enablers, identify what the blockages are and how to overcome them.' Specifically on renewable energy proposals which largely drove the report, Crawford added: 'Two parts of Highland life are absent when decision-makers talk about energy infrastructure in the Highlands. Firstly, tourism, which is the backbone of the Highland economy, and secondly the communities expected to host the major energy infrastructure, in particular the upgraded transmission lines, substations, battery storage and major wind turbines. That needs to change with both tourism and our impacted communities given a place at the table when we make decisions about this.' Local activist groups were quick to condemn the report carried out by research specialist Ekosgen, a Glasgow-based consultancy related to a Manchester firm with several English council board members. Dan Bailey of campaign group Better Cable Route (Strathpeffer & Contin) described the convention meeting as 'a talking shop between unaccountable quangos, politicians who parrot industry publicity, and multinational energy companies with their eyes on vast profits'. He said it smacks of deals being made at the expense of residents. He went on: 'You cannot have a fair and green economy without involving the people at the sharp end of the energy transition – the people who have to live with all this development. We will bear the negative impact of a seemingly endless wave of new power lines, substations, storage facilities and wind farms, yet see precious little benefit. Local communities are consistently sidelined by the industry and our elected representatives alike.' After presenting the report at the Strathpeffer convention, Martin Johnson, HIE director of strategy and regional economy, said that while its concept of a collaborative, holistic and place-based approach was critical in realising the benefits of investment opportunities, 'engaging with communities was not what this [report] was.' He said: 'In the real world this happens through engagement between local authorities and key businesses where the development is taking place and through the planning process.' While conceding that sectors such as tourism and food and drink offered good opportunities in the Highlands, Johnson said the current report was more concerned with transformation of scale rather than what he termed localised and incremental businesses. 'We announced this report to raise awareness across the region on what does 'big' look like and opportunities for the future, including housing and jobs,' he said. Johnson said about a year of research went into the report, partly in the context of the UK Government's clean energy and decarbonisation 'net-zero' policy. READ MORE: Scottish Borders town takes local hotel into community ownership On the 251 projects, 'researchers talked to project owners about what they were planning, the timescales, where the projects were placed from ideas to final investment decisions'. According to HIE analyses, the UK energy grid upgrade currently under consideration is a critical factor for its investment projects. In the Highlands, electricity infrastructure is controlled by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSE), whose expected investment of more than £22bn in Highland grid upgrades is included in the report's £100bn projection. Meanwhile, grid pricing of wholesale electricity sits with the UK Government, with reform expected this summer. At the same time, SSE is expected to miss 2030 net-zero targets while cutting £3bn in renewable investment, according to several media reports. The UK's high energy pricing and uncertain growth are major variables for HIE's Highland prospects. However, Johnson asserted that HIE's report findings give private-sector investors the confidence they need on house building, such as in the Moray Firth area and with prospects of Highland re-population with property development and job potential. He expected investment in supply chains as well as capital projects that include the UK's Great British Energy and overseas firms such as Japan's Sumitomo Electric Ltd which has established a subsea cable manufacturing plant at the Port of Nigg on the Cromarty Firth. HIE would not be drawn, however, on Highland business prospects of trade with the European electricity market as discussions continue between the UK and EU under their 'reset' engagement on energy. READ MORE: Revealed: The Scottish councils now using Elon Musk's Starlink internet technology Observers noted that the UK would have to follow EU rules to seal the deal, with the prospect of re-energising carbon trading under the EU emissions trading system. Highland residents I spoke to are critical of the HIE report. Shaun Ince, a Strathpeffer resident, biologist and retired academic, said: 'It looks a bit like pie in the sky investment. The environmental aspect worries me. If it's going to be 'big development' that should be well controlled with the right planning. There's a lot of beautiful land and communities that could be destroyed if you're not careful.' John Heathcote, from the village Contin, is an environmental advocate and geologist and was a former principal specialist at Dounreay nuclear site in Caithness. He said: 'My immediate reaction is not positive – no-one has asked us if we want growth to this extent. At the moment the Highlands is a very different place to live compared to an English city. Do we want this difference to disappear? 'We do, however, need to think about how we can manage modern services with a scattered population, where schools are too small to be viable and medical services are limited. But it is not clear that the proposed growth will fix this. Personally, I think that we have to move on from the growth agenda'. For her part, Crawford called for a 'Highland Convention in the Glens' next month in response to the HIE report, claiming there are seven community councils in support. She said: 'The likely speed of transformational change, as outlined in that paper, is enormous. It is more important now, than ever before, that our impacted communities come together and speak with a combined voice on behalf of those who are living in the areas that are being adversely impacted.' It seems a 192-page report is going to have political, societal and business implications – and generate very different views – well into the future in the Highlands and Islands.
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
ITV Coronation Street newcomer is younger sister of famous Britain's Got Talent star
Coronation Street fans were introduced to Mick and Lou's two daughters, one of which is played by actress Molly Kilduff, who already has a well known sister. Coronation Street welcomed some new faces this week with viewers being introduced to fresh characters in the Michaelis family as Mick and Lou's daughters Joanie and Shanie Michaelis take to the screen, portrayed by young actresses Savanna Pennington and Molly Kilduff. However, Molly is no stranger to the spotlight as she already has a famous face in her family who is known to be a recognisable Britain's Got Talent golden buzzer star. Molly, who is only five years old, made her debut on the Cobbles during Monday night's drama-filled episode which saw the girl's on-screen mum Lou announce they'll need to make a getaway shortly. However, the plot took an unexpected turn when Tim rushed to A&E after spotting an injury on Lou's head. Spoilers last week suggested that Lou runs away to escape her rocky relationship, leaving her kids in Tim's care, which continues this week with the youngsters still attending to Tim. Meanwhile, off-screen Molly's famous sister has taken to social media to cheer on her younger sibling as she expressed how proud she is of her. Britain's Got Talent 2020 runner up and golden buzzer act Jade Kilduff is the older sister of the young Coronation Street star. The 24 year old shot to fame on the ITV talent competition with her sign language choir when she was 18, where she appeared with her four-year-old disabled brother Christian, who has a brain injury called HIE among with other neurological conditions which affect his speech. Jade taught her younger brother Christian how to communicate through sign language after being told he would never be able to converse with anyone. However, after 18 months of trying to prove this statement wrong, Jade eventually taught her little brother how to sign back. Their heartwarming 'Sign Along With Us' act involved a choir of talented singers belting out inspiring songs while Jade, Christian and others used sign language to sing along with the lyrics in their own way. Devoted big sister Molly, who revealed earlier this year that she is expecting a child with her fiancée, gushed over little Molly in a sweet social media post. Taking to Instagram to address her younger sister's big acting gig, she shared a snap outside Weatherfield's renowned pub, the Rovers. In the caption, she wrote: "Could not be prouder of you Molly Moo ! ! Such a beautiful, funny, confident, talented and above all kind little girl. Shining bright on those cobbles like the star you are." Fans have also been sending heaps of praise upon the new Corrie actress with one writing: "Ohh she's adorable. Well done little superstar!" Another chimed in: "She's a little superstar." Molly's on-screen parents, Mick and Lou, made their entrance on the soap earlier this year but they're set for a short stay. It was announced in March that the couple would be exiting the show following the wrap up of a significant storyline this summer.
