Orion Health people named finalists in four categories at 2021 New Zealand Excellence in IT Awards

We’re thrilled that Orion Health people have been recognised finalists in four categories at the prestigious IT Professionals of New Zealand 2021 Excellence in IT Awards. 

The NZ Algorithm Hub project team – consisting of Dr Kevin Ross, Pieta Brown and Reece Robinson – were named finalists for the Project Excellence Award, while Pieta Brown is a finalist for the Excellence in Digital Health Award. 

Two of our people have been named as finalists in the Supreme Award categories, with Dr Ning Nua nominated for Young IT Professional of the Year, and Dr Kevin Ross nominated for New Zealand IT Professional of the Year. 

The full list of 2021 Awards finalists is available on the IT Professionals of New Zealand website. 

This exciting news follows our recognition as a finalist for the Visa Best Hi-Tech Solution for the Public Good at the 2021 Hi-Tech Awards of New Zealand in May, and by the announcement that members of the NZ Algorithm Hub project team were awarded the 2021 Prime Minister’s Science Prize. Dr Kevin Ross, Pieta Brown and Dr Ning Hua were acknowledged for their significant contribution to Te Pūnaha Matatini’s COVID-19 modelling team, to which Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern awarded the coveted national prize for their efforts with Aotearoa New Zealand’s globally lauded COVID-19 response. 

To our knowledge, New Zealand is the first country in the world to deploy a national algorithm management solution.  

The New Zealand Excellence in IT Awards are sector-wide and recognise the individuals and teams who have truly excelled in our industry. While other awards focus on companies and vendors, the Excellence in IT Awards exclusively celebrates the people. What makes the Excellence in IT Awards different is that it recognises the real people behind software and information technology – the people that make IT work – the unsung heroes and champions of our sector. 

Why was the NZ Algorithm Hub built?

With COVID-19’s emergence in early 2020, Orion Health became involved with supporting key government and healthcare decision-making efforts in scenario modelling and risk prediction. 

New models were emerging quickly, and there was confusion over what to trust, and which scenarios to evaluate. Service providers across New Zealand needed access to trustworthy technology and validated models.

With this in mind, Orion Health designed and built the NZ Algorithm Hub with support from the  COVID-19 innovation acceleration fund. The solution provides the infrastructure, tooling, and resources necessary to support operational modelling and timely information dissemination to the government and healthcare organisations, and professionals. 

Who does the NZ Algorithm Hub serve?

The Hub provides free access to models, algorithms, and risk calculators for healthcare providers and organisations. As new algorithms and models are developed, these can be quickly and safely deployed and made available on the Hub for maximum impact.

The NZ health sector can use the Hub as a central, shared knowledge base of validated algorithms and models.

Ultimately, the Hub is for the citizens of New Zealand, to help ensure equitable access to healthcare and support safe and effective health decision-making from the latest findings from research.

At Orion Health, we are looking to lead a total transformation by revolutionising global healthcare, so that every individual receives the perfect care for them. 

As the countdown to the gala awards dinner on 16th July begins, we are incredibly proud to be a New Zealand company, helping to lead our innovative tech sector in the global marketplace. 

Our people featuring alongside other great NZ IT professionals means a lot to everyone here at Orion Health. The depth and breadth of the New Zealand tech sector is something we are proud of. 

If you’d like to know more about the NZ Algorithm Hub, check out our website.