Ultrasis Plc Regulatory News (ULT)

4 Jun 2008 07:00



Ultrasis plc

Beating the Blues now available for private patients

Ultrasis meets growing private demand for access to anxiety and depression therapy

Ultrasis plc, the provider of interactive healthcare and associated services, is pleased to announce the launch of Beating the Blues Connect. Beating the Blues Connect will combine on-line therapy with 24/7 telephonic support, to meet the growing demand from private patients for confidential and immediate access to treatment for mild and moderate depression and anxiety related problems.  The initial price of Beating the Blues Connect, which includes 16 weeks telephonic support and one year's access to Beating the Blues will be £325.00.

An estimated six million people suffer from anxiety and depression in the UK and evidence indicates that in excess of 25% of people with mental health problems do not go to their GP or the NHS for support, often to preserve confidentiality. In response, Ultrasis is making its flagship Beating the Blues programme available for private use.

Beating the Blues Connect will be delivered by LTL Connect which will provide the service through its dedicated 24 hour call centre in Cardiff. LTL Connect is renowned for delivering wellbeing services on behalf of the Teacher Support Network to over 800,000 Teachers and Educational Staff in the UK and for its involvement in the Welsh 'Healthy Minds at Work' programme.

Nigel Brabbins, Ultrasis' Chief Executive, said: 

"Since the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommended Beating the Blues for use across the NHS there has been a rising tide of demand from private patients. It's widely known that many people don't want to go to traditional services to receive support, many choosing to pay a reasonable price for convenience, ease of access and confidentiality. Beating the Blues Connect will meet this demand, providing a high quality, evidence based way of helping people to recover their emotional well-being. The price for this cutting edge product is highly competitive." 

He added: "The partnership we have developed with LTL Connect to deliver this retail version will also enable us to look at opportunities to deliver bespoke packages into the workplace, enabling employers to address mental health issues as part of their duty of care. 

"The launch of Beating the Blues Connect, as heralded in the recent interim statement, creates another opportunity to extend sales activity beyond the NHS, where Ultrasis continues to experience high renewal rates, sustained income growth and increased market penetration."

Patrick Nash, LTL Connect Chief Executive said:

"With more and more people experiencing depression and a limited availability of therapy, Beating the Blues Connect is an effective, supported way people can get help and feel better. It not only represents good value, but there are no waiting lists, it removes any stigma and puts people in control of their own treatment plan. LTL Connect has significant experience in supporting and counselling people with a range of common mental heath problems and will provide reliable support to people using Beating the Blues Connect."

To find out more about Beating the Blues Connect, visit, www.thewellnessshop.co.uk

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For further information please contact:

Ultrasis plc:

FinnCap, NOMAD and Joint Broker

Notes to editors:

About Ultrasis plc

Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT) is the psychological treatment of choice for people suffering from anxiety and depression. NICE clinical guidelines for  anxiety and depression (published in Dec 2004) emphasised the importance of this therapy and at the same time recommended that sufferers from mild depression should not, initially, be given drugs but self-help material, preferably based on CBT, should be offered. 

In February 2006 The National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommended using Beating the Blues for delivering Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) by computer in the management of mild and moderate depression. 

Beating the Blues is an eight-week, web-based treatment programme for depression based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Following a rigorous examination by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), 

Seven out of Ten patients suffering from depression who used Beating the Blues® required no further treatment. Waiting lists for face to face therapy extend to 18 months in some areas. 

Ultrasis was the first company to offer computerised products based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and interactive multimedia, and is the world leader in the field. The products help people tackle stress, anxiety and depression, and a full spectrum of related chronic conditions.

www.ultrasis.com 

www.thewellnessshop.co.uk