October 19, 2021 – St. John’s, NL: Eastern Health is hosting its annual living lab health innovation summit on October 20 and 21, 2021. The two-day event will share the most recent ideas around research and innovation and examine the role that research plays in advancing health care in Newfoundland and Labrador. Keynote speakers and presenters will share how their research is generated in partnership with industry, health-care organizations, universities, and government.
“Since we released our innovation strategy, Eastern Health has seen innovation advancements and increased economic activity as a result of our work with partners to improve the health and well-being of our patients and clients,” said Ron Johnson, Vice President of Innovation and Rural Health for Eastern Health. “Most recently, Eastern Health has been named as the new innovation test site for BD which means we will be at the forefront for co-designing the next generation medical devices and solutions and, as a result, patients, clients, staff, and physicians of Eastern Health will have earlier access to innovative health-care solutions. We will be showcasing advancements such as these and others during the two-day innovation summit.”
Some of the key presentations at the summit include:
- Wednesday, October 20, 1:30 p.m. – keynote address from Dr. Michelle Ploughman, Canada Research Chair in Rehabilitation, Neuroplasticity and Brain Recovery, and Dr. Jason McCarthy, Physician and Clinical Chief, on testing innovative methods to improve brain recovery. This presentation will showcase Newfoundland and Labrador’s state-of-the art research laboratory specializing in the comprehensive profiling of human performance, from activation of brain networks to executing purposeful movement.
- Thursday, October 21, 1:05 p.m. – a welcome presentation from the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology.
- Thursday, October 21, 1:30 p.m. – an update on Eastern Health’s research and innovation activities by Dr. Farah McCrate, Director of Research and Innovation, and Ron Johnson, Vice President of Innovation and Rural Health. This session will provide an update on some of the achievements in health care since the introduction of a living lab for Eastern Health.
The goals of Eastern Health’s Innovation Strategy are to improve health-care services and programs through the application of innovative solutions; maximize health systems efficiencies and minimize associated costs by leveraging the innovation ecosystem to build partnerships and generate revenue; and generate economic development in the province and increase employment. For more information, please visit the Research and Innovation section of Eastern Health’s website.
Note to Media: Members of the media are invited to attend one or all these presentations listed above. If interested, please RSVP to Eastern Health Media Relations.
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About Eastern Health
Eastern Health is the largest, integrated health authority in Newfoundland and Labrador employing approximately 13,000 dedicated employees, over 700 medical staff, and is supported by approximately 2,000 volunteers, including members of numerous auxiliaries and fundraising foundations. With an annual budget of approximately $1.6 billion, the authority offers the full continuum of health and community services including public health, long-term care, community services, hospital care and unique provincial programs and services. Serving a population of over 300,000, Eastern Health’s geographic boundaries extend west from St. John’s to Port Blandford including all communities on the Avalon, Burin and Bonavista Peninsulas.