In October 2022, Smartz won the Kerrin Rennie Award for Excellence in Medical Technology – Improving Quality of Life. The award was established to recognise and profile the innovative and extraordinary contribution of medical technology in improving health outcomes of Australian patients.
Smartz monitors patient wellness including 2 significant issues affecting the elderly in residential aged care facilities; incontinence and pressure injuries.
Smartz also helps efficiency of staff time by reducing unnecessary diaper checks whilst also significantly reducing the invasive manual practices currently used to check when diapers need changing.
There was also a potential reduction in the number of diaper changes by changing the diaper only when really needed thus saving time, and improving toileting routines. These benefits may result in lower overall cost, fewer hospital admissions for UTIs, less waste, and more significantly, better individualised care.
Clinical study results have shown that the time residents are left in wet diapers significantly reduces when carers are alerted when the diaper has reached capacity. This reduces the risk of incontinence associated dermatitis (IAD) and UTIs.
Neina Fahey from the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) spoke with Peta Jurd, Smartz AG Commercial Director about winning the award.
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A 40-Year Journey: Insights from Tasmania’s Chief Nurse & Midwife
Reflecting on her nursing journey on the Tasmanian Health website on International Nurses Day 2025, Chief Nurse and Midwife, Francine Douce, has seen plenty of change since the start of her nursing and midwifery career, 42 years ago.
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Orthopaedic surgeon driven to understand & manage infection
In tandem with his clinical practice, Associate Professor Tetsworth is deeply engaged in orthopaedic research, with a keen interest in infection management, infection control, limb salvage, bone defect reconstruction, biomarker development for infection, bone growth hormone delivery, and the use of 3D printed models for reconstructing segmental bone defects.
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Student nurse placements in primary health care
With an urgent need to manage increasing rates of chronic disease, an ageing population, and a rapidly-ageing primary health care nurse workforce, Australia desperately needs more primary health care nurses to enter the workforce before the current generation retires and cannot pass on its skills.
Most nurses start their career in a hospital. Historically, it was difficult for universities and tertiary education providers to arrange placements for student nurses in primary health care. However, the APNA Student Nurse Placement Program provides student nurses with a foot in the door to a career in vibrant primary health care settings such as general practice or community health to perform supervised activities.
