It is with great sadness that we advise of the passing of Ian Rowe, a long-term supporter of the health information management profession.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY LINDA WESTBROOK
Professor Phyllis Watson AM recalls a young Ian Rowe starting the “Rolls” company back in 1971, the beginning of Ian’s commitment to the profession across Australia.
“When I commenced my first “Medical Record Administrator” role, at St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst, Ian was “the go to person” for products for medical records”, writes Cassandra Jordan.
Ian was a larger-than-life personality, and he regularly created an atmosphere of fun at all the professional events he sponsored and attended.
Ian was an intrinsic member of the Australian health industry with development, production, marketing and sales of quality products, many of these remain in use today.
Ian developed the medical records side of the business. He contributed technical advice to the original and subsequent Australian Standard for Healthcare Records (AS 2828) and provided trusted, innovative, and quality products.
Ian printed the HIM-J pro bono for HIMAA and never refused a request for a job for HIMAA.
Ian was committed to the education of Health Information Management students, and regularly flew to Sydney to present on the importance of forms and record management. He also attended and sponsored student functions and graduations.
Many Health Information Managers have enjoyed careers working with Ian and Rolls including Jacki Kent, Jacqueline Kelly, Jo Callen, Josephine Raw, Kim Osborne, Linda Westbrook, Melissa Turnell, and Robina McCarthy.
Ian’s legacy will continue with his son Luke at Rolls Australia. Ian will be missed.
NSW Branch HIMAA
19 August 2023