A NEW secure web browser devised by a fledgling Selby firm is being snapped up for use in hospitals.

The browser, called MISAnet (Medical Information Support and Advisory Network) was designed by York-based Neotouch UK Ltd.

Now it is being acclaimed by Grampian University Hospitals' NHS Trust which is looking to adapt it further - and the company, which is preparing to move to the Escrick Park Industrial Estate, plans to roll it out through the health service over the coming year. Neotouch, which was advised by Business Link on a whole range of issues, including ways of financing the business, IT issues and e-commerce, is now looking to create six new jobs to cope with the growing demand. MISAnet is being used at the Grampian NHS Trust to provide cancer patients and their relatives with oncology information to help them understand their illness, treatment and details, including support groups. The system is interactive so that patients can privately make their own recommendations and requests. Richard Lacey, director of the 11-month-old Neotouch UK and experienced in security and software development, said: "There are many cases of patients looking up details of illnesses they have been diagnosed as suffering from and either not being able to find the information or accessing 'unevaluated information', including details of treatments which may be unavailable in the UK.

"MISAnet is a controlled, managed service which allows people to access relevant, supportive medical information about their condition in a way that enlightens them in a practical ways."

The Grampian trust is so pleased with the product's performance that it is now hoping to use it to help diabetic patients.