Canterbury DHBThursday 22 September 2011, 5:10PM
Media release from Canterbury DHB
New Zealand's four largest DHBs welcome today's announcement from
the Minister of Economic Development that Government plans to
provide funding to support establishment of a national Health
Innovation Hub.
This announcement is the culmination of proof of concept work
undertaken by Auckland, Canterbury, Counties Manukau and Waitemata
DHBs in association with central and local Government agencies and
industry.
The Hub aims to help the public health sector and industry to
collaboratively develop, validate and commercialise NZ health
technologies and service innovations for international markets. It
will also work closely with global healthcare companies, as well as
NZ universities and crown research institutes.
There are existing success stories of NZ businesses developing and
validating products through partnerships with the public health
sector including Fisher & Paykel Health care, NZ's most
successful medical technology company and Orion Health, the
country's largest health IT company.
Health is one of New Zealand's largest industry sectors accounting
for more than 9% of GPD and employing 130,000 clinical, technical
and health and disability workers. Internationally health is a $3
trillion industry.
Following today's announcement, the four DHBs will now progress
approval processes for Hub establishment.
Subject to approvals, it is expected that the Hub will be
operational in early 2012. It is expected that additional DHB
partners will link with the Hub as it develops.
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For further information:
Contact Louise Zacest, CMDHB, 021 415 736
Canterbury DHB: Amy Milne, 027 502 7523