26 Jun 2012

4 DHBs form health innovation hub

8:30 pm on 26 June 2012

The country's four biggest district health boards have set up a new group to boost innovation in the health system.

Those attending a health conference in Auckland on Tuesday were told the Health Innovation Hub has just opened with a small number of projects.

DHBs in Auckland, Counties-Manukau, Waitemata and Canterbury are partners in the hub, which aims to use creative ideas and entrepreneurial skills to develop technologies that improve patient care.

The hub is headed by the chairperson of the National Health Board, Murray Horn, with scientist Ray Avery as his deputy.

They say the people who work in health are full of great ideas about how to make improvements but can not always get backing.

The hub has received $14 million over five years from the Economic Development Ministry and others.