HIIRC website moving ahead strongly

(PR.co.nz) HIIRC website off to flying start

A Government initiative to share knowledge and improve quality and performance in the health sector is striking the right note with health experts just months after it was launched.

Figures show 12,448 people made 23,127 visits to the website of the Health Improvement and Innovation Resource Centre (HIIRC) between 1 July and 31 December 2010. The website can be found at www.hiirc.org.nz.

“Those numbers are really encouraging for such a new site,” says HIIRC spokesperson Gary Tonkin, a senior project manager in the Ministry of Health’s Sector Capability and Implementation Directorate.

“HIIRC is the sector’s main source of latest health research, exemplars of best practice, and trusted health information. We’re committed to ensuring the site is dynamic and relevant for everyone working in health, including clinicians, providers, researchers and policy makers – and we are confident we’ll see those website usage figures continue to climb this year.”

HIIRC was established by the Ministry of Health to improve the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders by sharing examples of innovation and quality improvement, and by making New Zealand research more available to people working in health.

It provides an extensive Knowledge Library of research literature, directories of individuals and organisations, access to improvement tools, and the latest news about events and projects. Topics include hospital productivity, shorter stays in emergency departments, primary health, access to elective services, diabetes and cardiovascular services.

“It’s an excellent resource for the sector,” says Gary Tonkin.

“Whatever your health specialty, you’ll find something useful on the site, whether it’s a case study, discussion topic or research review. You can subscribe to daily site updates too, so you’re always in the loop.

“HIIRC is all about sharing knowledge and insights so that over time the sector’s performance improves.”

Media Release from the New Zealand Ministry of Health on 19 January 2011