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$23 Million Funding Boost For Peak Health Groups

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Liberal National Government will provide the nation’s peak health groups and advisory bodies with $23.5 million over three years to help build a healthier Australia.

Organisations such as the Australian College of Nursing, the Consumers Health Forum, Lifeline and the Rural Doctors Association will receive funding through the Health Peak and Advisory Bodies Programme so they can continue to contribute engaged, robust and constructive participation.

Established in 2016, the Health Peak and Advisory Bodies Programme supports a wide range of organisations, and a total of 23 organisations have been provided funding over three years.

This will enable the organisations to play their part in informing the Government’s health agenda through impartial advice, thus contributing to improved health outcomes for Australians.

This can include consulting and sharing information with their members, the wider health sector, the community and the Government, providing sector knowledge and expertise and providing education and training to health practitioners to improve the quality of health services.

These organisations are integral to building a better health care system for the nation.

Their voices are important – and those voices wouldn’t be heard without the funding the Government provides under this program.

Several of these organisations also receive funding to deliver specific health programs under different funding streams. This funding is in addition to the Health Peak and Advisory Bodies Programme.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Organisation Name Total funding
Australian College of Nursing $1,125,000
Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations $1,125,000
Consumers Health Forum of Australia $1,125,000
Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia $652,062
Allied Health Professions Australia $459,075
Asthma Australia $667,851
Australian Association of Practice Managers $622,866
Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association $558,300
Continence Foundation of Australia $1,125,000
Haemophilia Foundation Australia $585,000
Heart Support-Australia $819,000
Hepatitis Australia $1,125,000
Lifeline Australia $525,000
Macular Disease Foundation Australia $1,125,000
Metabolic Dietary Disorders Association $537,000
Mental Health Australia $1,650,000
National Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS $1,125,000
National Rural Health Alliance $2,910,000
Palliative Care Australia $1,125,000
Public Health Association of Australia $1,125,000
Rural Doctors Association of Australia $1,125,000
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia $1,125,000
Vision 2020 The Right to Sight Australia $1,125,000
Total HPAB funding $23,486,154

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MEDTECH MEDIA STORM, FAIR AND BALANCED?

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The campaign, coordinated by a U.S.-based media group, launched a barrage of negative stories that sought to question the safety and integrity of regulatory processes for medical devices around the world. Here in Australia, local media outlets used the opportunity to share the stories of specially selected patients who alleged their medical devices were not functioning as intended and questioned the robustness of Australia’s regulatory processes.

The association representing MedTech innovators in Australia, the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA), was quick to slam, what it described as an “inaccurate and sensationalist” campaign adopted by Australian media outlets.

In a statement, MTAA CEO, Ian Burgess, voiced his disappointment at the irresponsible tone and the inaccuracies of the media coverage.

“It’s disappointing to see Australian media outlets, such as the ABC, calling into question the integrity of the TGA, MedTech innovators and the dedicated Australians who work in the industry, by choosing to go down the path of sensationalism and biased reporting,” Mr Burgess said.

As PulseLine covered last week in our feature story, Australia has one of the most highly regulated and robust assessment systems in the world for MedTech. Considering the millions of MedTech devices Australians have successfully implanted, or come into contact with each year, it’s hard not to see the regulatory process has a strong track record for safety.

If you’re asking yourself ‘doesn’t selective reporting by the media undermine the confidence people have in the system?’ You would be right.

Unbalanced stories, specifically orchestrated for coordinated media campaigns like this one, can create unwarranted fear in the community, causing someone, who would benefit from a medical device, to avoid seeking treatment that could otherwise improve their quality of life.

Following the media storm Australia’s federal Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, requested Australia’s regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), to investigate whether additional measures are needed to improve the safety of medical devices.

While it is still too early to know what sort of harm this negative campaign will have on patients’ decisions to forgo the benefits of medical devices, one thing is for sure, Australian media outlets should avoid the pitfalls of the type of sensationalist reporting that is all too often common practice in other parts of the world.

Australians can, and should, be proud of the professionalism of the hardworking men and women who work in the TGA and the MedTech industry who work day-in and day-out to ensure Australians have access to the most innovative and life-changing medical technologies in the world.[/vc_column_text][vc_zigzag][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

DID YOU KNOW:

Global advances in medical technology over the past 20 years has led to a 56% reduction in hospital stays, 25% decline in disability rates, 16% decline in annual mortality and an increase in life expectancy of approx. 3.2 years?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

HOW ROBUST ARE AUSTRALIA’S REGULATIONS?

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When questions about safety are raised it’s understandable that people, by their nature, might assume the worst is true. But is it? PulseLine wanted to go to the source and find out just how robust Australia’s system is when it comes to medical devices.

In Australia MedTech companies are represented by a national association called the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA). The aim of MTAA is to ensure the benefits of modern, innovative and reliable MedTech are delivered effectively to provide Australians with better health outcomes and an improved quality of life.

MTAA CEO, Ian Burgess, believes millions of Australians’ lives have been transformed by having a medical device thanks to the Australian MedTech industry making safety as its highest priority.

“MedTech has improved the lives of millions of people right across Australia, thanks primarily to the efforts made by MedTech companies, government and medical practitioners placing such a high priority on the safety of medical devices being used in Australia,” Mr Burgess said.

“When it comes to ensuring we have a robust and thorough process for approving medical devices for the Australian market, MTAA are the first to advocate for a consistent and evidence-based approach to regulations.”

In Australia, the regulatory process is governed by a risk-based system of classification that determines the level of scrutiny a medical device will be subjected to before it is included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). A medical device must be on the ARTG before it can be lawfully supplied in or imported into Australia.

The regulator responsible for overseeing this process in Australia is the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) which assesses medical devices in line with a device’s intended purpose and risk-based classification. This includes:

  • A pre-market assessment – called a conformity assessment;
  • Market authorisation – so the device can be included on the ARTG; and
  • Post-market monitoring – which ensures the device continues to comply with all of the regulatory, safety and performance requirements and standards.

We all know how fast technology changes in today’s world. So, when it comes to regulations keeping up with that change, we wanted to know what the MedTech industry and government were doing to keep pace.

It turns out that in 2016 the Australian Government announced a series of reforms and projects to improve the regulatory process. These include moving towards global harmonisation, achieving appropriate classification for classes of medical devices based on risk, and working with sponsors and manufacturers to manage emerging issues in the post-market space.

Department of Health Deputy Secretary, Adjunct Professor John Skerritt, highlighted to PulseLine that TGA uses a number of sources of information to monitor the ongoing safety of medical devices included in the ARTG.

When it comes to monitoring the safety of post-market devices, the TGA receives “signals from multiple sources including notifications and information from other regulators, compulsory reporting from manufacturers and sponsors, competitors and whistle-blowers, media and government,” Professor Skerritt said.

“Reporting of adverse events and issues associated with the use of medical devices plays a vital role in identifying emerging issues that may require regulatory action or legislation change.”

Medical devices in Australia are subjected to a robust regulatory approval and legal framework, which requires device companies to report adverse events to the TGA.

So, when you consider the millions of medical devices Australians have successfully implanted, or interact with each year, it’s clear the regulatory process has a strong track record for ensuring safety for all Australians.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Victoria votes: your guide to the 2018 election health promises

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With health care spending accounting for 30% of the Victorian budget, or A$20 billion, health is a major policy area for the Victorian election on Saturday.

While the Commonwealth pays for general practice, private specialists, pharmaceutical benefits and aged care, the states are responsible for running hospitals, community health services and ambulance services. They also want to keep Victorians healthy and out of hospital.

This election campaign, Labor has committed $4.3 billion to health; the Coalition has promised $1.3 billion, and the Greens have pledged $1.35 billion. Much of the difference comes down to infrastructure spending.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Labor

Labor’s health policy emphasises its commitment to a public health system. A re-elected Labor government would build a new hospital in the western Melbourne suburb of Footscray ($1.5 billion) and spend $1.2 billion on capital improvements to other hospitals in outer suburban Melbourne and regional areas.

Labor’s hospital package also includes $675 million for ten new or upgraded community hospitals. These health services would provide day surgeries, diagnostic imaging and specialist outpatients, in addition to admitted and urgent care.

The remainder of nearly A$1 billion goes to a range of other promises, including:

The boost in hospital funding is likely to enhance care in the hospital catchment areas and ease the pressure on surrounding hospitals. Improved nurse-to-patient ratios will likely improve the safety and quality of care in the state’s emergency departments and hospital wards.

Is it necessary to commit $3.3 billion to hospitals, presumably on top of current levels of funding?

Much of this goes to capital improvements. Without such investments now, the existing hospital capacity in and around Melbourne will not be able to keep up. But it’s unclear where the money will come from to run these extra hospitals and hospital expansions. It’s hoped that operating costs will not then be taken from existing hospitals.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Coalition

The Coalition’s funding commitments are spread across the key sectors of health including:

There is evidence for much of the Coalition’s commitments. In particular, palliative care has been shown in trials to not only improve quality of life, but also, in some cancers, survival.

Improving access to community care for disadvantaged groups and in rural and regional areas has the potential to improve the management of chronic disease, such as asthma and diabetes, leading to better health in the long term.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Greens

The Greens’ platform is anchored in a social determinants of health and a population health approach that conceives of health more explicitly as an outcome of broader social and economic conditions.

The Victorian Greens party’s main priorities are:

The Greens’ funding for free ambulance services would ensure nobody misses out on timely care for traumatic injuries and heart attacks because they don’t have ambulance cover. A similar program operates in Queensland.

The Greens have a well-developed policy, conceiving of health and well-being broadly. The package includes substantial commitments to mental health, community health care and dental health.

But there is no extra funding for hospitals beyond the current budget.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Comparing the three parties

The biggest difference in the health funding commitments between the three parties is Labor’s focus on hospital infrastructure funding (which accounts for 78% of its health promises). It’s not clear whether the Coalition and the Greens oppose the bulk of Labor’s hospital commitments or are simply silent.

Although this level of funding to hospitals may seem like an inordinate amount, it’s important to consider the role of modern hospitals. They have become the providers of not only admitted care, but emergency care (including GP-type visits), specialist care in outpatient clinics, chronic disease management and palliative care.

When this hospital infrastructure funding is taken out of consideration, the three parties are hard to distinguish. Labor is promising $960 million, Coalition is pledging $816 million and the Greens have committed $1.3 billion to a range of community, mental health, ambulance, chronic disease and prevention services.

The most evident gaps are Labor’s lack of funding for prevention and innovation, and the Greens’ lack of extra hospital capital funding.

A change to the Coalition would likely mean less hospital funding, particularly for a new Footscray hospital, but significant funding for community palliative care services and hospital in the home.[/vc_column_text][vc_zigzag][vc_column_text]

AUTHORS

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  1. Professor and Head of Department, Public Health, La Trobe University

  2. Professor of Health Economics, La Trobe University

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  1. Senior Lecturer in Epidemiology, La Trobe University

  2. Adjunct Professor at Simon Fraser University and Clinical Professor, University of Saskatchewan

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This article originally appeared on theconversation.com.

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MEDTECH INNOVATORS DESCEND ON SYDNEY

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Kicked off by MTAA’s board Chair, Gavin Fox-Smith, the two-day event was packed with a long list of guest speakers and panel discussions that ranged from politics, software and cybersecurity to patient empowerment and philanthropy.

The organisers stepped up the interactivity this year by inviting the audience to participate in the panel discussions by submitting and voting for questions from their smartphones. Suffice to say the questions were coming thick and fast throughout the panel discussions, but even more so during the first two panels on politics and the next NSW and Federal Election.

Mingling among the sponsor displays during the intermissions PulseLine spotted Stryker South Pacific’s Maurice Ben-Mayor chatting to MTAA’s CEO, Ian Burgess. One can only assume they might have been discussing Stryker being awarded the best place to work for 2 years running, or even Ben-Mayor’s thoughts on CVs that he laid out in a viral LinkedIn post (read it here).

Also, in attendance was Edwards Lifesciences’ Managing Director Pat Williams speaking with MTAA’s outgoing Government Relations and Communications Manager, Polo Guilbert-Wright (a contributor to PulseLine). We understand Polo was head-hunted by Edwards Lifesciences who are looking to leverage his public affairs experience as the government enters an uncertain election period.

This year’s conference also raised the stakes by partnering with the Actuator’s Buzz Palmer and Vishaal Kishore to bring MedTech’s Got Talent (MTGT) to the stage. The top 20 MTGT participants faced off in a one-minute rapid fire round where they pitched for a chance to progress to the Finals Gala event where they will be given the chance to pitch for up to $200,000 in seed equity investment. Needless to say, the participants were nervous, and the audience was enthralled with the innovative solutions these start-ups were presenting. Stay posted for more on this story.

We can’t wait to see how they’ll be able to top 2018’s MedTech Conference next year, but as we have done in the past, PulseLine will bring you all the latest news, insights and interviews from the event.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_images_carousel images=”2536,2537,2538,2539″ img_size=”full” autoplay=”yes” wrap=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

RECORD DATE CHANGED AT 11th HOUR

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In an eleventh-hour reprieve, the Australian Senate voted to extend the opt-out period for a second time, meaning Australians will now have until January 31, 2019 to decide whether they want a My Health Record or not. Those that choose not to opt-out will have a record automatically created in the Government-run online database.

Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, who welcomed the Senate’s extension, has previously said the online health records provide “many benefits to patients, including reduced duplication of tests, better co-ordination of care for people with chronic and complex conditions, and better-informed treatment decisions.”

Speaking on the benefits of the My Health Record scheme, Consumer Health Forum CEO, Leanne Wells, had previously said the clinical benefits of My Health Record for patients are significant and compelling, including hospital admissions avoided, fewer adverse drug events, and better-informed treatment decision.

“For too long, healthcare has lagged behind in exploiting the clear benefits of information technology,” Ms Wells said.

Under the My Health Record framework, data can be linked to other datasets such as the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) or the Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS) creating an easy to access overview of a user’s profile.

Other industries, including the Medical Technology industry have welcomed the My Health Record. Medical Technology Association of Australia CEO, Ian Burgess, said the development of My Health Record will “provide tremendous opportunity to improve data collection across the whole health system and across the patient journey”.

Ultimately, Australians will be the biggest beneficiaries of the My Health Record system.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

ACCOLADE, AWARDS AND ADMIRATION FOR AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The awards, now in their 16th year, pay tribute to the efforts and energy of some of the sectors highest achievers and some of the most promising innovators in health and medical research.

Research Australia’s CEO, Nadia Levin, said the impact of the working being one across the country and internationally proves Australia’s research sector is a force to be reckoned with.

“We were joined by over 250 people who tirelessly work to improve the health and wellbeing of our wider community, and it was an honour to acknowledge their work,” Ms Levin said.

This year’s winners showcased their ground-breaking discoveries and innovation that represent the promise of better healthcare for all Australians.

The evening’s most prestigious award, the Peter Wills Medal, was awarded to Laureate Professor Nicholas Talley AC, from the University of Newcastle, a global authority in the field of neurogastroenterology, for his pioneering work into unexplained gut disorders that affect millions of people worldwide.

In a wonderful acknowledgement of generosity that has spanned two generations, the Great Australian Philanthropy Award was presented to the Burges Family Trust for its high impact and transformative quality to Australian health and medical research.

Ms Levin said the nominees for each award category were an incredibly high calibre, which is a great sign of things to come.

Research Australia’s Health and Medical Research Winners for 2018 included:

  • The Research Champion Award was awarded to Matthew Grounds, CEO of UBS, for his advocacy work through a range of roles including Chair of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, member on the Samuel’s review of independent medical research institutes, and at the helm of a consortium to advocate for a strengthening of NSW’s cardiovascular research capacity;
  • The Griffith University Discovery Award was awarded to Dr Sarah Best from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research for her remarkable discovery that could change the way lung cancer is diagnosed and treated;
  • The Data Innovation Award was awarded to Dr Craig Dalton from the University of Newcastle, for his FluTracking platform, the largest in the world. The platform collects public health information in real time and on a scale never seen before, helping in the detection of flu outbreaks;
  • The Leadership in Corporate Giving Award was presented to MACA for their contribution to the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research through it world renowned participation of the Ride to Conquer Cancer. As the title sponsor for the Ride, MACA have been directly responsible for funding ground-breaking research at the Perkins;
  • The Health Services Research Award went to Professor Sue Kildea from the University of Queensland for her work in ‘closing the gap’ in maternity care practices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and building capacity within the midwifery workforce; and
  • The GSK Award for Research Excellence went to Professors Georgina Long and Richard Scolyer from the Melanoma Institute Australia for their exceptional contribution to medical research that has transformed melanoma treatment and patient care.

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First Australian Hospitals Reach International Best Practice for Digital Health

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]St Stephen’s Hospital Hervey Bay (UnitingCare) and The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne are being accredited as Stage 7 – the most advanced stage of the HIMSS Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM). St Stephen’s Hospital Hervey Bay has achieved EMRAM Stage 7 for its inpatient facilities and The Royal Children’s Hospital has achieved Outpatient EMRAM (O-EMRAM) Stage 7 for its outpatient clinics.

According to John Daniels, Global Vice President of HIMSS Analytics, the awards represent the first time that any hospital in Australia has reached this advanced stage of digital healthcare and could lead to significant improvements in patient care.

“Technology is a tool that, when put in the right hands, can change lives. Australia is beginning to realise a future where integrated, more personalised care is a reality,” said Mr Daniels.

“Historically, Australian doctors and nurses faced vast challenges from systems that didn’t communicate with each other, lost records, and information accessibility. This is a major step towards overcoming these issues.”

“These hospitals are showing Australia what digital transformation can achieve – and the outcomes it delivers for Australian patients – and we’re delighted to be part of their journey.”

The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Melbourne uses technology to support the treatment and care of all children, particularly those with complex and chronic disorders, requiring care by multiple specialties. The technology allows clinicians to have a more holistic view of the care that each patient needs and receives: any clinician can receive a real-time, single view of the entire patient journey and the interplay between disciplines.

Prior to the introduction of the EMR, clinicians needed to hand write patient information, which had a number of challenges, particular with timeliness, communication across clinical disciplines, and when patients had multiple and simultaneous clinical needs. With the new electronic medical record system, it is much easier to see every single aspect of a patient’s care, from hospital operations, to outpatient services. This allows staff to provide safer care and improve outcomes.

Along with improved clinical outcomes through a more coordinated delivery of clinical record keeping, the RCH has also opened this transparency up to patients and families. A new patient portal has strengthened the partnership between clinicians and patients’ families, enhancing the hospital’s ability to deliver patient and family centred care.

“We have invested significantly in upgrading our healthcare technology to improve outcomes for patients and their families, and we are seeing the benefits through clinical outcomes, hospital efficiencies and enhancing the transparent healthcare partnership between clinician, hospital, patient and family,” said Jane Miller, Chief Operating Officer of The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne.

Queensland’s first digitalised hospital; St Stephen’s in Hervey Bay has improved efficiencies and patient safety through the utilisation of electronic barcode scanning of blood and medication products. The new system also provides access to online data to monitor and improve care and share data with other health care providers caring for the hospital’s patients.

“Achieving the HIMMS Stage 7 accreditation has been a significant journey. Not only did we demonstrate how we were utilising the technology within our hospital, we were also assessed on our consistency of use, which showed a real behaviour shift by our team.

“For St Stephen’s, the rewards of following the EMRAM process has extended past the utilisation of technology; it has strengthened our ongoing commitment to providing innovative health solutions for the safety and care of our patients,” said Darren Rogers, General Manager St Stephen’s Hospital.

HIMSS Analytics developed the EMR Adoption Model in 2005 as a methodology for evaluating the progress and impact of electronic medical record systems for hospitals in the HIMSS Analytics™ Database. The O-EMRAM was developed in 2012 as a methodology for evaluating the progress and impact of EMR systems at outpatient facilities. These models consist of eight stages (0-7) that measure a hospital’s implementation and utilisation of information technology applications. The final stage, Stage 7, represents an advanced patient record environment. The validation process to confirm a hospital has reached Stage 7 includes a site visit by an executive from HIMSS Analytics and former or current chief information officers to ensure an unbiased evaluation of the Stage 7 environments.

“Around the world, adopting electronic medical records has been shown to help healthcare organisations to save lives by using data and analytics to improve high-quality care, safety, and efficiency,” Mr Daniels said.

“Stage 7 is really the tipping point that allows hospitals and patients to see the true benefits of EMRs. The real goal across Australia is for all organisations to reach this Stage and achieve better health through information and technology.”

“HIMSS will continue to work with State and National Governments to provide clear direction and help Australian healthcare organisations reach this level nationally.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

FUTURES MEDICAL SHOWCASES LATEST EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES WITH NEW DIGITAL HOSPITAL SYMPOSIUM

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Taking place at Device Technologies’ education facility in Sydney, NSW, on Monday November 5th, the event invited multiple hospital groups and organisations together to collaborate on the most effective ways in which medical education can be accessed.

With face-to-face, on-the-job training becoming an ever important part of clinical education, the need to incorporate more efficient means of sharing and building knowledge has become an issue that all healthcare professionals need to address.

Digital education options have become increasingly available and utilised, helping to build a foundation that provides health care professionals with the opportunity for rapid learning and information retention.

The symposium aimed to address this topic, allowing hospitals, university groups, industry and government representatives to come together for a hands-on experience, and to collaborate on the latest medical education technologies.

Being an industry-first event, the delegation had the opportunity to have a hands-on experience using the latest digital education technologies. These included virtual reality courses for operating room and hospital procedures, clinical augmented reality courses, digital conferencing, Live-Point-of-View remote support (for regional and remote locations) and video production and e-learning for operating theatres.

Among the delegates who were invited to the event included representatives from the NSW Health Education and Training Institute (HETI), Ramsay Healthcare, and Southern Cross Hospitals in New Zealand.

The event also featured multiple speakers and experts in the field of digital health education, including Futures Medical Business Manager Andy Hansen, and a virtual reality contingent from the University of Newcastle. The event was opened by Device Technologies’ CEO, Michael Trevaskis.

“The day was a great success, particularly the round table discussion in the afternoon,” elaborated Hansen.

“This provided a rare forum for representatives from private and public hospital groups in Australia and NZ, academics, clinicians, educators and technology creators to come together to discuss challenges and the potential solutions.

“The wealth of cutting edge technology present on the day left everyone feeling optimistic about what can be achieved”.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2526″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

2018 MedTech Kerrin Rennie Award goes to Boston Scientific HeartLogic

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With 67,000 new cases each year, Australia spends $3.1B annually on heart failure diagnosis and management. HeartLogic is a heart failure diagnostic tool available to patients with certain Boston Scientific implantable cardiac devices and remote monitoring system. HeartLogic incorporates multiple sensors (heart sounds, respiration rate and volume, thoracic impedance, heart rate and activity) into one composite index to detect gradual worsening of heart failure over days or weeks and sends a single actionable web-based alert when the trend crosses a clinician-set threshold.

This multi-sensor approach allows physicians to detect early warning signs of worsening heart failure symptoms and adjusting treatment to avoid potential hospitalisations.

The other Awards recipients included:

  • Gavin Fox-Smith, Johnson & Johnson Medical APAC – Outstanding Achievement in MedTech;
  • Yolanda Mallouhi, Edwards Lifesciences – Women in MedTech Champion; and
  • Baxter – Women in MedTech Champion.

The Outstanding Achievement Award is open to individuals who have contributed in a significant way to the development of the medical technology industry through improvement to patient outcomes or excellence in leadership and innovation.

With more than 30 years’ experience in the industry, including 21 years at Johnson & Johnson, Gavin Fox-Smith has an extensive background as a senior executive in the Asia Pacific region. Mr Fox-Smith is well known for his track record of developing and exporting outstanding leaders and ensuring a truly diverse and inclusive workforce. He is a passionate advocate for efforts that improve health, literacy and education, particularly for Indigenous communities.

Women in MedTech is a Board led initiative which started in July 2015 in response to the gap of women in leadership positions across the industry. The support and engagement on this issue from members of our industry has been overwhelming, making it a clear issue of importance for MTAA to support. The Women in MedTech Champion is awarded to an individual or a company who has contributed to advancing the mission and goals just mentioned.

The Women in MedTech Individual Champion was awarded to Yolanda Mallouhi. Yolanda has been with Edwards Lifesciences for nearly 11 years as the Senior Manager, HR, responsible for identifying, attracting, retaining and building the talent capabilities of Edwards to meet not only today’s and future business needs. Yolanda has been a key contributor to advancing the women in MedTech agenda in Australia by officially kicking off the E.NOW (Edwards Network of Women) in October 2017.

 The Women in MedTech Company Champion was awarded to Baxter Healthcare. Baxter was once again named among the top 100 companies in Australia for gender equality (Australian Government – Employer of Choice for Gender Equality: 2017, 2016, 2015). With its 16-person Senior Leadership Team for ANZ equally represented by women and men, in line with the industry’s benchmark metrics, Baxter has put gender equality and diversity at the core of its business in Australia.

 Ian Burgess, Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Technology Association of Australia said:

 “The MTAA Annual Industry Awards are an opportunity to recognise our members and individuals who have contributed to improving patient outcomes through MedTech.

“This year we received some fantastic entries, so much so the difference between first and second place for the Kerrin Rennie Award was just one point.

“It’s inspiring to be part of the medical technology industry that every day is focused on improving the health and wellbeing of patients.”

Paul Braico, Vice President and Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand said:

“Boston Scientific is incredibly proud and honored to be awarded the prestigious Kerrin Rennie Award.

“The HeartLogic Diagnostic tool provides physicians the ability to pivot from reactive heart failure treatment to proactive care with an overall goal of improving patient outcomes and reducing heart failure-related hospitalisations.

“This is a really exciting time at both Boston Scientific and for those working in the heart failure space, and we look forward to the results produced from this innovative technology.”[/vc_column_text][vc_separator border_width=”3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GByCBDykhwc”][/vc_column][/vc_row]