This is my last report as Sallyanne Wissmann is welcomed into the role of the Interim CEO. I leave with an assurance that HIMAA is in excellent hands.
It has been my privilege to be a part of HIMAA and I thank you for supporting me in my role as the CEO. I am pleased with the progress that has been made during my time in upgrading systems and member offerings, but I am even more excited for the future of HIMAA. I will be cheering from the sideline! The Board and the staff have my very best wishes.
Until my departure date of 7 July, it is business-as-usual. Last week we held Webinar 23: Unpacking ICD-10-AM/ACHI/ACS 12th Edition Changes on Sepsis, Resistance & Covid 19 and there will be another webinar with iMedX planned in September. The next webinar, DIGITAL HEALTH: EPIC EMR Implementation – The Process and Learnings for a successful transition to Digital Health Readiness with Kerri McGufficke, Assistant Director of HIS at Canberra Health Services, will be held on 18 July. Registration is open now.
In the meantime, we have been busily working in preparing for HIM Week. This year, the HIM Week will be held during 21-25 August 2023, and you can check out all the activities at https://www.himaa.org.au/events/himweek23/. You can register for a support letter to be sent to your organisation, download HIM Week poster, email signatories and social banners and as a member, you can also register to receive a promotional pack. We will be holding three webinars during HIM Week which will be free to all members.
The Health Information Management profession is evolving but challenged at the same time. We need more clinical coders to be job-ready; we need more students in the pipeline studying HIM degrees; yet HIM roles are being diversified to other roles or to other degree-qualified personnel to take on the roles.
You are passionate and dedicated professionals who perform an essential role to providers of health care by assisting them to make informed decisions and to improve systems. There is strength in unity by having a collective voice to speak and progress the opportunities for this wonderful profession. I hope you continue to get behind your Association and progress your career opportunities and those of your peers and upcoming colleagues.
Lastly – celebrate and learn from each other at the upcoming 2023 IFHIMA/HIMAA Congress in Brisbane, 30 October to 1 November. We already have close to 200 people registered. Early bird registration is closing on 29 July. Only one month to go to take advantage of this offer: https://ifhimacongress2023.com.au/registration-2/!
I thank my dedicated staff whom I am indebted to for their hard work. As well, I give my heartfelt thanks to the HIMAA Board for their support. I end my tenure with pride in bringing HIMAA the highest financial result and consistently performing for the last 3 years. As said, the foundation is well set for growth, financially and strategically. I have made some lovely connections which I hope will continue. I wish you all the very best.
Signing off.
Jae Redden
Chief Executive Officer
ceo@himaa.org.au