At the most influential global health information technology event of the year, Orion Health launched a health intelligence platform set to unlock the power of data and inform better healthcare decisions – with its strong Aotearoa New Zealand reputation front and center.
Founded in 1993 by Waikato local Ian McCrae, Orion Health’s world-leading health data platform provides digital health solutions which capture vast amounts of data available to caregivers and clinicians to ensure patients receive the best healthcare possible.
Taking its healthcare solutions to HIMMS23, the annual Global Health Conference and Exhibition hosted in Chicago in April 2023, Orion Health launched Orchestral – the culmination of 30 years of the company working with healthcare data and interoperability in a new arm of its unified healthcare platform.
Orchestral unlocks the power of healthcare data, capturing every type of data related to individual patients and healthcare providers, and overlaying data science and machine learning to ensure patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers can derive value and patient-specific insights from what is captured. Orion Health says Orchestral aims to unleash the health data clinicians already have, in what it sees as a game changer for predicting healthcare issues and better informing clinical decisions, based on patients’ personal history and preventative medicine.
With an extensive portfolio of international clients, Orion Health’s Unified Healthcare Platform is used in 13 countries across the globe. Global Vice President of Public Affairs, Andrew Bowater, says the company’s success is due to its pure focus on healthcare data technology and a simple Kiwi can-do attitude.
“Orion Health’s sole focus on healthcare sets it apart from some highly regarded players in the space. We know the healthcare data we’re working with is the most sensitive kind of data, and so we treat it with the utmost respect and maintain a laser sharp focus on how this information can best be leveraged.”
“But beyond that, as a small New Zealand business turning up and trying to compete alongside the bigger players, people regard Orion Health highly because of the way we look to solve problems together. It’s the can-do attitude and determination to find a solution that fits, that first made people take us seriously.”
Orion Health’s exhibit at HIMMS23 was also the debut of its adoption of the New Zealand FernMark, an accreditation Bowater says is proving more valuable for Kiwi businesses as New Zealand grows its presence in offshore markets.
“When New Zealand businesses venture offshore, they often mould themselves to fit into overseas markets. In the past Orion Health found itself trying to be like other companies in whichever market it set sights on, but now our approach has changed.
“It’s taken a few years of reflection for Orion Health to embrace its Aotearoa New Zealand roots, and we’ve since found real value in wearing this proudly. I think there’s been a mindset shift as Kiwi businesses grow their confidence on the world stage, and with all eyes on New Zealand’s COVID response, businesses in the health sector have found tremendous pride in associating themselves with Aotearoa New Zealand.”
With a newfound appreciation for its Aotearoa New Zealand values and industry leadership, Bowater says carrying the FernMark in relation to its business and products was a natural next step for Orion Health. He says that New Zealand Story’s FernMark symbolises and encapsulates the nation’s values which have also been integral to the company’s growth and success.
Proudly championing its Aotearoa New Zealand heritage, Bowater says the company received a great response to its FernMark debut, with people asking why it hadn’t been adopted sooner.
To champion its ‘New Zealand-ness’ in its 13 international offices, Orion Health also proudly celebrates Aotearoa New Zealand's Matariki public holiday, which marks the beginning of the new year in the Māori lunar calendar, across its global markets. Bowater says championing this cultural event will be a significant focus for the company each year.
“We’re proud to be from Aotearoa New Zealand and so we want this to be known and celebrated. The world has recognised that New Zealanders have achieved some great feats, particularly in the healthcare and technology space.
“As a proudly New Zealand business, Orion Health is excited to be on a bold journey of innovation to revolutionise global healthcare.”