Northern Health was proud to host a distinguished international delegation from the Taiwan Regional Hospital Association (TRHA) on Tuesday, 28 April, in a visit that highlighted the importance of global collaboration in shaping the future of healthcare.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by Executive Director of Public Affairs & Foundation, Pina Di Donato and A/Prof Jason Cirone, Chief Allied Health Officer, reflecting Northern Health’s commitment to fostering strong international partnerships and knowledge exchange.

With a strong interest in virtual models of care, the delegation began their visit with Northern Health’s Virtual Emergency Department (VVED). Here, they engaged with the team to explore how digital health solutions are being used to improve access, streamline patient pathways, and deliver timely, patient-centred emergency care. Discussions focused on the practical implementation of virtual care, the challenges and opportunities of scaling such models, and the impact on both patients and clinicians.

Following this, the group visited the surgical department, where they were introduced to Northern Health’s advanced surgical capabilities. The delegation worked closely with surgical teams to explore how robotic assisted technology is enhancing precision and patient outcomes, complemented by a tour of the hybrid theatre and vascular surgery control room.

As part of the exchange, the delegation also shared valuable insights into Taiwan’s healthcare system. In Taiwan, regional hospitals are healthcare institutions with more than 250 acute beds that have successfully passed rigorous government accreditation. There are currently 82 regional hospitals across the country, collectively delivering around 40 per cent of the nation’s healthcare services. These hospitals play a critical role as the backbone of the system, bridging the gap between primary care and academic medical centres.

“The TRHA is long committed to helping our member hospitals enhance medical quality, strengthen system resilience, and promote sustainable development. We firmly believe that international exchange is not merely a learning process, but a vital pathway for us to collectively address global challenges and seek innovative solutions.,” said the President of the TRHA, Mr Chiang-Liang Wu.

“Therefore, today’s visit is more than just a tour; it is a catalyst for deepening our interaction, sharing experiences, and opening doors for future cooperation. We look forward to establishing a long-term, substantive partnership with Northern Health in areas such as digital health innovation, talent cultivation, and healthcare system transformation,” he added.

Pina Di Donato, Executive Director, Public Affairs and Foundation, shared, “We were honoured to have hosted the TRHA delegation, and we look forward to building on this relationship into the future.”

Pictured in featured image: The Taiwanese delegation with Pina Di Donato, Executive Director of Public Affairs and Foundation.