Technology has for a long time been part and parcel of the medical profession, with high-tech devices and instruments being developed and used to detect and even treat various ailments. Even the quality of modern-day surgery has improved greatly thank to cutting-edge technology. (Pun intended)
Now, Glebe Medical Centre in Sydney, a family medical practice has decided to take on technology in a new innovative light. It has developed an online bookings system. The paper-free system replaces the traditional pen and paper fill-out-these-forms procedure. What’s more, they also have an appointments app. How cool is that?
The practice also themes its waiting rooms to celebrate major events like the recent London Olympics with the intention of cheering up their patients. It therefore comes as no surprise that it has been named the City of Sydney Small Business of the Year 2012.
This kind of strong innovation, backed by a strong business model and demonstration of strong community involvement are what earned Glebe Medical Centre the award, according to the independent judging panel.
Even the Lord Mayor of Syney, Clover Moore could not help praising the practice for their innovative style of operating.
“Glebe Medical Centre is a dynamic business that manages to be caring but also forward-thinking, making their patients’ lives easier through the use of technology,” he said.
“The practice takes a fresh approach to providing healthcare that is innovative, convenient and accessible.”
“The centre is also community-minded, with an indigenous health screening program and bulk-billed health checks for local students. All these extras, plus access to pathology services, a physiotherapist, dietitian, exercise physiologist and psychologist make it a deserving winner of our Small Business of the Year Award.”
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said businesses like the Glebe Medical Centre were the lifeblood of the city, strengthening the local economy and providing thousands of jobs.
How did the City of Sydney Business Awards 2012 go?
The City’s 2012 Business Awards are the biggest yet with a record 883 businesses nominated and 60,000 Sydneysiders casting a vote.
This year, for the first time, winners will receive a cash prize from the City of Sydney, with $5,000 going to the overall Business of the Year and $4,000 to the Small Business of the Year.
Winners were judged by an independent panel made up of experts from government, academic institutes and the business community. This year’s panel included Greg Hayes of Hayes Knight, Starfish Consulting’s Kate Groom, and Paul Wallbank from Netsmarts.
All finalists are required to submit detailed business plans and are judged on criteria including industry innovation, community participation, strategic planning and environmental sustainability planning.
Image by Enokson
