In this episode Sally Britnell, a disability advocate and senior lecturer, discusses the challenges and barriers faced by disabled people in the healthcare sector.

Sally shares her personal journey of working in health and the importance of representation in the health workforce.

She reflects on the current state of inclusivity, experiences of discrimination, and explores the need for universal design in workplaces.

Also, the role of digital tools in enhancing accessibility, the support employers can provide, and the importance of education in fostering understanding among health staff.

Digital accessibility consultant Callum McMenamin, founder of Open Access, talks about creating inclusive digital environments for blind and low vision people, particularly within health and social care. 

Callum shares his journey into accessibility, his work on government web standards, and the creation of the “Accessibility Loser Board” that highlights areas needing urgent improvement. 

The discussion explores challenges and systemic barriers in health and disability services, and the role of standards and emerging technologies like AI in shaping a more accessible and equitable digital future for all New Zealanders.

This episode explores the journey of Tāmaki Health as they integrated the Heidi AI medical scribe across New Zealand’s largest independent primary healthcare group. 

Guests discuss how the technology is streamlining administrative tasks, enhancing the overall efficiency of clinicians and improving staff wellbeing, as well as patient experience. 

Also, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved through their innovative collaborative approach. 

Lisa Tumahai, chief executive of Pōkeka Poutini Ngāi Tahu Ltd, shares insights on the challenges and successes of implementing digital solutions to enhance service delivery and efficiency in rural health care. 

The discussion covers the integration of technology into health and social care services, the importance of data sovereignty, and the future of digital health, including the role of AI. 

Can artificial intelligence help to transform aged care without losing the human touch? 

In this episode of eHealth Talk NZ, Third Age Health’s CTO Sanjeewa Samaraweera and nurse practitioner Elle Dagley discuss the opportunities and risks of AI in supporting older adults. 

From predictive risk management and clinical note-taking to tackling loneliness and enabling independent living, they explore where AI can make the biggest impact – and why dignity and human connection must always come first.

In the first of a four-part podcast collaboration between HiNZ and Blind Low Vision NZ, digital accessibility consultant Neil Jarvis discuss the critical issue of accessibility in healthcare for Blind and Low Vision people and the current mixed state of accessibility within the healthcare system. 

His personal experiences reveal significant gaps in accessibility, the importance of providing information in preferred formats, and the need for systemic changes and national policies to ensure equitable access to healthcare services. 

Neil's vision is for an inclusive healthcare experience that respects the dignity and autonomy of all patients. 

Ryl Jensen, the outgoing CEO of the Digital Health Association, reflects on her journey in digital health, the shifts in New Zealand's health landscape, and the importance of collaboration and innovation.

Ryl discusses the challenges faced by the sector, and the need for a connected health system that empowers patients and clinicians, as well as advice for those looking to get into the world of data and digital health.

In the first of a four-part collaborative series with the Medical Technology Association of New Zealand, eHealth Talk host and HiNZ media editor Rebecca McBeth interviews MTANZ CEO Cushla Smyth about the challenges facing medical device suppliers and the future of the sector.

They discuss findings from MTANZ’s latest member survey, procurement delays, the lack of clarity over whether Pharmac or Health NZ will manage medical device contracting, and what this uncertainty means for investment and patient access to new technologies.

Cushla also shares her vision for building a thriving, patient-focused medical technology industry in Aotearoa.

HiNZ CEO Scott Arrol reflects on 25 years of HiNZ in Aotearoa and his vision for the future. From the organisation’s roots in nursing informatics to its role today as the trusted community for digital health, Scott discusses his own background in health and the evolving challenges and opportunities facing the sector. 

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of HiNZ at Digital Health Week 2025 in Ōtautahi Christchurch - register to attend online 

Sharyn MacDonald, Chief of Radiology at Health NZ Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury, explores the evolving role of artificial intelligence in radiology to improve patient safety and access to care. Sharyn shares insights into how Health NZ is assessing the potential use of AI tools - from fracture detection to improving diagnostic workflows - and discusses the importance of clinician-led innovation, and ensuring safe implementation.