THE CAN HEALTH NETWORK AWARDS-TEST

This year, we recognize a partnership that has dramatically improved specialist access and patient outcomes across the province. Through a CAN Health Network commercialization project, Nova Scotia Health Authority implemented Virtual Hallway – an innovative platform, designed by doctors, that allows primary care providers and specialists to connect with each other directly and seek advice on patient care.
With Virtual Hallway, Nova Scotia Health has significantly cut waitlists and given patients across rural and underserved areas timely access to the care they need.
Because of this partnership, clinicians across the province are using Virtual Hallway’s solution free of charge.
In addition to this success, their partnership with the Network has helped Virtual Hallway scale significantly, creating new jobs and expanding their reach across the province. That’s more jobs for Canadians and more patients getting the care they need.

NanoTess is a Calgary-based company that is transforming wound management and care through a first-of-its-kind gel used to speed up the healing of wounds.
Not only is this technology saving lives, but it has led to incredible cost-savings for health care organizations when used in place of traditional care methods.
After an impactful project with Alberta Health Services, NanoTess’ solution is being deployed across the organization and beyond. Additionally, other hospitals across the Network are using this solution, and have made it the new standard of care within their organization.
NanoTess has also made it part of their mission to support remote communities and ensure everyone has access to the care they need when they need it.

Since joining the Network in 2021, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services has pushed boundaries to improve patient care. This Edge has completed two commercialization projects and has four active projects on the go – all of which are having a profound impact on health care delivery in the region.
Even amidst the challenges that come with change, the team has remained an active and reliable partner to the Network.
Newfoundland and Labrador Health Service’s dedication to enhancing health care delivery and supporting homegrown initiatives sets a shining example for others in the Network and defines the organization as a true leader.

James Hiebert is a generational Indigenous leader committed to reconciliation and Indigenous empowerment. James has been an essential partner in helping the CAN Health Network expand with, and bring innovation to, Indigenous communities across Canada.
Through his company, Medical, Surgical and Safety Supplies, James is strengthening Indigenous procurement and supply chain equity.
Most recently, MSS supported CAN Health Network company, NanoTess, in expanding the reach of its groundbreaking wound care treatment, NanoSALV.
His commitment to access and equity in the health care system is reshaping care delivery in meaningful ways across Canada.

The CAN Health Network model proves that you can bring together organizations from across Canada to champion Canadian business and support real, meaningful change.
The Shape Award recognizes an individual who is leading this change outside of healthcare.
Lucie Hiltner is currently leading Innovate BC’s Heavy-Duty and Zero Emission Vehicles Trucking Project – a collaborative initiative created to accelerate the adoption of zero- and low-emission vehicles within British Columbia.
Based on the CAN Health Network model, the project is part of Innovate BC’s Integrated Marketplace which works to de-risk and drive the commercial adoption of domestic innovations on a broader scale within B.C.

The Wessinger Award is a reflection of the passion and determination Mike and Dave have demonstrated in challenging the status quo and breaking down barriers.
It honours their commitment to building PointClickCare and growing it in Canada to become a leading company, helping to position Canada on a global scale.
This award not only acknowledges the transformative work of Mike and Dave, but will also inspire other Canadian entrepreneurs to continue pushing boundaries. It shows that when you invest in Canada, we can generate economic prosperity and better health for all.

Sunnybrook and MOLLI Surgical worked together on a CAN Health commercialization project to improve breast cancer surgery for patients and health care providers using a wire-free and radiation-free technology for localizing lesions.
This project saw impactful results and satisfaction among radiologists, medical radiation technologists, and surgeons. Most importantly, it also had a tremendous impact on patients.
This project led to a procurement for Sunnybrook, and increased awareness for MOLLI Surgical across the Network, including the exploration of the technology’s impact on different patient populations.
The growth of MOLLI Surgical’s technology has been incredible to witness. From launching its first project in the Network, to being named one of TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2022, this company is proving that Canada has what it takes to lead on a global scale.

PolyUnity’s 3D Additive Manufacturing as a Service solution is helping health care organizations build supply chain resilience, decrease procurement costs, and enhance patient care. Thanks to this solution, health care providers can produce what they need on demand, limiting the need to outsource for inventory.
After completing a commercialization project with Eastern Health, now Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, PolyUnity became the first Atlantic-based company in the CAN Health Network to scale through a National RFP.

Grand River Hospital led a National RFP for a learning platform to help prepare frontline staff for accreditation. This led to the procurement of a solution developed by Waterloo-based company, Axonify, helping to open the doors for this Canadian company into the health care industry.
This Kitchener, Ontario-based hospital also launched two commercialization projects. The first with KA Imaging, which is exploring new x-ray technology that allows for improved patient monitoring and faster, more accurate diagnosis. And the second with Signal 1 – that will explore AI in predicting patient needs to improve quality and timeliness of care.

Crystal Trevors is the CEO and Founder of Stepscan Technologies Inc – a woman-owned and operated Canadian technology company whose pressure measurement and movement solution is being used in hospitals and health care organizations internationally.
In addition to her role as CEO, Crystal also demonstrates exceptional leadership and a passion for transformational change in their role as a Life and Leadership Coach. Through this role, she supports other female entrepreneurs, and helps them gain the confidence and tools for success in business and life.

16 Bit developed an AI-driven opportunistic screening tool to improve population bone health. It uses routinely captured x-rays to identify patients at high risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Since joining the CAN Health Network, this company’s solution has enabled Sunnybrook to screen over 1000 patients, of which 572 were identified as at-risk.
As of October 2023, 16 Bit has the only solution in the Network that is fully aligned with the ‘Quadruple Aim’. That is, not only is the solution improving population health and enhancing patient experience, but it is improving provider satisfaction and has been proven to reduce cost of care.

Recognizing the impact chronic wounds have on the health care system, and that current treatment options are timely, costly, and sometimes ineffective, NanoTess created a first-of-its kind advanced wound care treatment – NanoSALV Catalytic – to support the healing of wounds and reduce the economic burden on health systems.
This company’s commercialization project in the Network saw excellent results across a diverse, real-world patient population, and the product received great feedback from health care providers and patients. Showcased by the project results, NanoSALV Catalytic is an affordable and effective advanced wound care solution that can be easily incorporated into standard of care practices.
This solution is an approved Health Canada medical device that is currently available and accessible across Canada.

As a national network comprised of health care organizations across Canada, CAN Health’s strength and success lies within health care organizations from coast-to-coast-to-coast. We are only as strong as the individuals that make up each Edge.
Each of these recipients are a champion for CAN Health, and are helping to build trust in CAN Health’s mission and vision across their own organizations. Through their engagement in the Network, each of these leaders make it a priority to share valuable insights about CAN Health, and the companies in its ecosystem, with other leaders on their team and across their organizations. These efforts and constant push for the adoption of innovation and CAN Health projects leads to greater opportunities for Canadian companies.