Canterbury Wins Health Innovation Award

Canterbury District Health Board’s (DHB’s) project, Developing an acute non-invasive ventilation service at Christchurch Hospital, has won the award for Excellence in Quality Improvement at the 2008 New Zealand Health Innovation Awards (HIA).

The awards, a joint endeavour of the Ministry of Health and ACC, have run annually since 2003. They are an opportunity to showcase some of the cutting-edge developments and improvements within the health service. 

People with emphysema and other respiratory diseases in Canterbury can now be treated more quickly and safely thanks to the Acute Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) service. Unlike invasive ventilation where a tube is inserted into the patient’s throat, NIV uses a mask over the mouth, eliminating the risk of infection and injury.

Judges said the project showed "a solid multidisciplinary approach, well supported by relevant education, policies and procedures, and producing strong results."

Canterbury DHB also had another finalist at this year’s HIA, the Acute Medical Assessment Unit innovation, in the category of Excellence in Process Improvement.

The Supreme Award was won by the National Heart Foundation programme Project Target 450 – Reducing sodium in bread. The Foundation worked with New Zealand’s two major bread manufacturers to lower the amount of sodium (salt) in certain breads.

Twenty finalists chosen from nearly 130 entries competed for a win in their category and for the Supreme Award. Finalists presented their ideas during an expo at Wellington Town Hall before the awards ceremony.

The Supreme Award winner receives $13,000 while category winners receive $4000. The Finalists' Choice winner also receives $4000.

WINNERS

• Supreme Award Winner: The National Heart Foundation of New Zealand; Project Target 450 – Reducing sodium in bread.
• Excellence in Prevention: The National Heart Foundation of New Zealand; Project Target 450 – Reducing sodium in bread.
• Excellence in Rehabilitation: Ministry of Social Development; PATHS – Providing Access to Health Solutions.
• Excellence in Process Improvement: West Coast District Health Board; Alternative Pathways for New Patients.
• Excellence in Primary Health Care: ProCare Network North & Ngati Whatua Nga Rima o Kaipara; Te Awaroa Lifestyles – A manawhenua & mainstream PHO partnership.
• Excellence in Quality Improvement: Canterbury District Health Board; Developing an acute non-invasive ventilation service at Christchurch Hospital.
• Excellence in Innovation: Hawke's Bay District Health Board; Incubator programme – health careers in schools.
• Glenys Baldick Memorial Award for emerging leaders in health: Lorna Murray, CEO of Connect (previously known as Action for Mental Health Society or AMHS). 
• Finalists' Choice: Hawke's Bay District Health Board; Incubator programme – health careers in schools.

Information about each innovation is available at www.healthinnovationawards.co.nz.