‘Health innovator’ added to IoD Jersey Debate line-up

Friday 21 August 2015

A trailblazer in e-health has been added to the line-up of local and visiting expert panellists for this year’s Jersey Institute of Directors (IoD) Annual Debate.

Chris Crockford, CEO of cutting-edge medical device manufacturer Cardiocity Ltd, has been added to the existing group of panellists who will this year discuss productivity, efficiency and innovation in Jersey’s health and education sectors.

Entitled ‘Health and Education: time for a big re-think?’, the event, sponsored by law firm Carey Olsen and once again moderated by news broadcaster Alastair Stewart OBE, will take place on Thursday 17th September from 4.45pm at the RJA&HS. This year the Debate is being split into two sections in order to discuss education and health in equal measure, giving panellists and the audience a chance to explore key health and education issues, including whether Jersey’s approach is creative enough to ensure a positive future for islanders and local businesses.

Now CEO of Cardiocity, Chris previously held the role of Business Development Director for a leading Formula1 team, before leaving in order to commercialise new sensor technology. Using his experience from Formula1 of ‘Big Data Analytics’ he has been able to lead the company’s innovation program, developing products that challenge convention regarding patient interaction, data analytics, and patient care pathways.

With an MBA from Lancaster University Management School, Chris has delivered keynote speeches on Mobile Health for the GSMa in both South Africa and the US and is currently working with doctors in Jersey on e-health initiatives.

Also confirmed for the ‘Health Panel’ are Senator Andrew Green, Minister for Health and Social Services, Julie Garbutt, CEO of Jersey’s Health Department, Dr Andrew Vallance-Owen, Chairman of the Private Healthcare Information Network and former Group Medical Director for Bupa, and Paul White, senior adviser to McKinsey on healthcare leadership and management.

In addition, sitting on the ‘Education Panel’ will be Deputy Rod Bryans, Minister of Education, Justin Donovan, Jersey’s Director of Education, Amanda Spielman, Chair of Ofqual, Ann Haydon, Principal of Surbiton High School, and Bob Cook, Education Consultant and former Headmaster of Victoria College.

IoD Jersey Chairman Wendy Dorman, said, "Part of our debate this year will focus on innovation within our health system and I am sure that, given Jersey’s focus on establishing itself as a centre of excellence for digital enterprise, e-health will feature heavily. I’m delighted that Chris, with his knowledge and experience in this area and his understanding of the local environment, is able to take part in our event.”

Alex Ohlsson, Managing Partner of sponsor Carey Olsen, added, “If Jersey wants to be at the cutting edge in both education and healthcare, it is important that we are open to new, alternative ideas that can provide the Island with positive solutions for the long-term. The line-up for the IoD Debate this year offers unique access to unrivalled expertise and knowledge in our sectors of interest and may give us an opportunity to make significant strides.”

The Jersey IoD Annual Debate, which ordinarily attracts an audience of over 500 people, takes place on Thursday 17 September 2015 at the RJA&HS from 4.45pm – 9.45pm and is open to all islanders. Places cost £80 per person, including a supper, whilst a table of 12 can also be booked via the IoD Jersey Branch Officer on 610799 or jedirector@localdial.com. Further information is available at www.iod.je, the IoD Group on LinkedIn and by following @iodjersey on Twitter.