Health and Community Services
December 6, 2017

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services:

Minister Haggie Recognizes Hacking Health Participants

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today to highlight the innovative movement known as Hacking Health.

Hacking Health aims to transform healthcare by connecting healthcare professionals with innovators and entrepreneurs to build solutions to front-line healthcare problems. Beginning in Montreal in 2012, this province is now in its second year of activities.

Last April, Hacking Health held its first 48-hour Hack-a-Thon. I am pleased to say that Michael Bannister, an official with the Department of Health and Community Services, was a part of one of the winning teams. His team created an online tool that showed the average blood clinic wait time around St. John’s. The other co-winner created a tool aimed at helping patients find appointments at local clinics. Finally, Eastern Health took the people’s choice award by developing an application to increase reliability of triaging patients with heart disease.

Last week, the local Hacking Health chapter continued its works by holding a session focused on seniors’ health and wellness. From all accounts, I am pleased to say there was a significant increase in participation from healthcare professionals. It is inspiring to see so many disciplines coming together to design solutions for patient-centric care.

Mr. Speaker, I ask this Honourable House to join with me today in recognizing the vision, passion, and innovation of those who are helping Hacking Health take root in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you.

 

2017 12 06                                        2:40 p.m.