An app that supports Aboriginal communities in managing their health in culturally appropriate ways; a research project to inspire students in regional areas towards a career in digital health; a tech solution that makes it easier for patients to continue their medication - these game-changing ideas are the winning pitches from a student competition at Loreto Normanhurst School organised by eHealth NSW. On May 22nd, the students behind these ideas visited the eHealth NSW offices in Chatswood to interact with a range of senior members of the organisation.
An early introduction to digital health
eHealth NSW has partnered with the Association of Independent Schools (AIS) NSW to connect with school students and introduce them to a possible future career in digital health. This is the second year of the program, which started in 2021 with a student pilot to co-design and deliver an innovative health solution. Year 9 students from Loreto Normanhurst’s Integrated Learning program participated in this pilot. They were presented with a health challenge and asked to come up with an idea to solve it. The teams pitched their solution to a judging panel comprising eHealth NSW staff. The three finalists from that round were invited to the eHealth NSW offices to present to the Executive Management Team including Chief Executive, Dr Zoran Bolevich.
During their visit, students got an opportunity to hear career stories from the Executive Management Team and explore the varied range of jobs and skillsets across the organisation.
“The students felt inspired and motivated to further investigate ways in which they can influence the growth and development of the use of technology for the betterment of health. They came away with a renewed understanding of the positive impacts that eHealth NSW is having on residents of the state, and thoroughly enjoyed engaging with the leadership and hearing about their career pathways,” said Tenielle Davies, Head of Digital Learning at Loreto Normanhurst.
What's next?
eHealth NSW is planning to expand the program in 2024 to cover more schools in the state. Apart from encouraging students to explore a career in digital health, the program also strives to increase participation in STEM subjects, improve digital health literacy and gain feedback on eHealth NSW’s consumer-facing digital solutions. Most importantly, the program aims to raise awareness on how digital technologies can impact individual health and wellbeing as well as health information now and into the future.
