21 March 2005
Health Innovation Finalists Announced
An online calculator to help doctors treat sick newborns and an improved system for storing and transporting blood are
just two of the innovations to have made the finals of the 2005 Health Innovation Awards.
The Awards, a joint initiative between ACC and the Ministry of Health, with support via Telecom New Zealand as the
foundation business partner, aim to promote innovation in health and rehabilitation and sharing of good ideas through
the sector.
Last year’s winner, a new system for treating patients with stomach upsets, reduced waiting lists and costs by $1.5
million for the Auckland District Health Board.
This year’s 24 finalists include a system to reduce medication errors at Starship Children’s Health, text messaging to
help young people stop smoking, energy saving at Christchurch Hospital and a streamlined process to treat patients with
multiple illnesses at Hutt Hospital.
The finalists were chosen from 151 entries from all over New Zealand and will exhibit their entries at an expo day at Te
Papa in Wellington on 30 June. Winners will be announced at a special ceremony and dinner that evening.
The Supreme Award winner will receive $15,000 and there are prizes for individual, group and organisation entries.
ENDS