MERSEYSIDE start-up company Med ePad has received the first telemedical sector investment from the £25m North West Fund for Biomedical.

The Liverpool Science Park-based venture has clinched £50,000 of Pathfinder Investment from the fund, run by early- stage venture capital firm SPARK Impact.

The North West Fund for Biomedical is a sub-fund of the £185m North West Fund financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the European Investment Bank.

Med ePad has developed an interactive touch screen mobile internet device for healthcare service providers, aimed at improving the efficiency of treatment and helping patients to better manage their self-care.

The seven-inch hand- held touch screen computer comes loaded with condition-specific apps created in conjunction with NHS healthcare professionals.

Its functions include the ability to record medication regimes and daily living patterns, send appointment reminders, conduct online consultations and access specific information relating to a particular condition, and, where appropriate, in the language of the patient’s choice.

There are around 15m long-term condition sufferers in the UK. The new investment will help fund the development of initial apps and run a number of trials.

Med ePad founder Rob Connell said: “I am looking forward to being able to develop a range of efficiency and patient-benefiting applications.”