Innovation Support

Innovation ~ the application of new ideas to produce better outcomes

Innovation in a public sector context has been defined as the ‘creation and implementation of new processes, products, services and methods of delivery which result in significant improvements in the efficiency, effectiveness or quality of outcomes”*.

Hunter New England Health invests significantly in supporting innovation across our public health services. One of the most tangible supports for innovation is HNE Health’s Innovation Support team, which is responsible for:

• Contributing to improved patient care and outcomes
• Contributing to a positive and vibrant workplace culture
• Creating an environment for critical thinking and innovation
• Building capacity, expertise and knowledge for innovation
• Significantly contributing to major HNE Health strategies
• Communicating outcomes of innovation activities

To do this, the Innovation Support team provides advice and support for the translation of good ideas into practice.

* Australian National Audit Office. 2009 Innovation in the Public Sector: Enabling Better Performance, Driving New Directions: Better Practice Guide. Available at: www.anao.gov.au/director/publications/betterpracguides/currentguides.cfm