Welcome to the final E-bulletin for 2009.
The Cluster Executive has elected Gavin Wright to be Chair for 2010. Gavin has been a member of the Cluster since 2002 as CEO of Cardinal HealthCare and from 2004 as Managing Director of Fraame Solutions. Gavin was previously Chair from 2005-07, and assumed the Chair role on an interim basis in August 2009 with the resignation of Malcolm Pollock.
Gavin is looking forward to heading the organisation in the year ahead and appreciates the support of the Executive Committee.
This year the Cluster has placed increased emphasis on ensuring the objectives of our member organisations and the health ICT industry are being realised through increased collaboration, networking, and advocacy. We have been able to help members navigate through the changes that have been occurring in the Health System and are playing an active role in working with key decision-makers.
In recognition of this value that we have provided the Cluster has welcomed a number of former - and a growing list of new - member organisations. I am pleased to note that as of today our membership base has grown by 20%!
Key initiatives this year have included:
- entering a formal partnership with the NZICT Group
- developing and publishing a set of draft principles for information exchange between electronic medical record systems
- supporting the two Collaborate 2 Innovate projects in developing and presenting their proposals to the Ministry of Health
- continued facilitation of the work on the technical specifications for Connected Health
- holding a range of events including: briefings on the MRG Report, a breakfast roundtable session for Christchurch-based members, the successful annual Elevator Pitch Session at HINZ, a business development forum on access to capital and the annual Sector Engagement Forum and AGM in Auckland.
I look forward to announcing a range of new initiatives in the New Year.
Thank you for your support throughout 2009. On behalf of the Cluster Executive and the Cluster Office, I wish you all a safe and relaxing break over the holiday period and an enjoyable and prosperous year in 2010.
