Hawkes Bay DHB (MIS100 2012)

“IT is a key enabler for achieving business objectives and goals, says Vidhya Makam, information services manager for the Hawkes Bay DHB. “As integration with primary and community healthcare providers and organisations is a key mandate from the MoH for this year, there will be greater emphasis on technology solutions that enable and support this integration. The ability to agree upon standardised business and clinical processes, within and across DHBs, is pivotal for integration of solutions.”

Round-the-clock availability of critical clinical systems is a continued focus, as patient related clinical information is being held electronically rather than in paper form. The use of information systems and ICT solutions within the DHB will support and promote efficient service delivery by enabling workflow.

A key focus of information solutions is to support better patient flow and enable patient-focused care by providing access to accurate relevant information when required, while at the same time managing increasing demand for information solutions within limited staff and budget resources. Operating within financial constraints and meeting ever increasing demands will be a key challenge over the next 12 months. Maintaining the fine balance between security and enabling user access to the latest technology by supporting BYOD (bring your own devices) is a new and challenging area for the DHB. Makam says managing user expectation, as users are becoming more technology savvy and request the latest and innovative devices and tools, adds to the effort.