CIO50 Australia 2024: Brett Reedman, Catholic Healthcare

Name: Brett Reedman
Title: Chief Information Officer
Company: Catholic Healthcare
Commenced role: March 2019
Reporting line: Chief Executive Officer
Member of the executive team: Yes
Technology Function: 41 members and 5 direct reports
 
Catholic Healthcare (CHL) CIO Brett Reedman has been at the forefront of innovation, implementing cutting-edge technology solutions that have reshaped CHL’s operational landscape.
 
Adopting Reedman’s strategy, Standardise, Simplify, Smarter, the IT team has embarked on a digital transformation journey to achieve connected care for connected communities, which has yielded substantial value and underscored CHL’s commitment to leveraging technology for superior resident and client outcomes and operational excellence.
 
Reedman has spearheaded CHL’s adoption of a platform approach, collaborating closely with Catholic Healthcare’s Executive Leadership team.
 
He garnered their endorsement for the platform strategy by highlighting its advantages, such as a cohesive ecosystem, simplified management, uniformity, integration, and the circumvention of vendor lock-in. This approach aids in enabling integration, data standardisation, streamlining processes, and reducing complexity.
 
Reedman is passionate about exploring the next leap forward in providing care. This encompasses leveraging artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions, predictive analysis, expanding on the successful introduction of Microsoft HoloLens2 in CHL’s homes and integrating IoT for a comprehensive virtual telehealth experience.
 
Using technology to achieve efficiency
 
As a not-for-profit provider, it’s important to explore how technology can assist in achieving efficiencies, solve operational challenges and enhance the care CHL provides.
 
Care Connect is an example of harnessing technology to create efficiencies for registered nurses (RNs) and solving an operational challenge unique to aged care. Residents want to receive responsive, relationship-centred care in a home-like environment, and Care Connect has made this a reality, resulting in happier residents and employees.
 
CHL has been at the forefront of adopting AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) in the aged care sector due to Reedman’s passion for innovation.
 
With the sector experiencing workforce challenges, Reedman explored how AI can bridge this gap by making our employees more efficient and reducing the time spent on time-consuming tasks. For example, introducing AI to speed up care plan preparation is revolutionary, resulting in significant time and cost savings for CHL.
 
He demonstrated his influence in various ways, both within and outside the organisation and influenced executives and board members to adopt a digital-first and customer-centric strategy that aligns with the organisation’s vision and goals.
 
“I presented compelling business cases and roadmaps that showcase the value and benefits of technology innovations and investments,” says Reedman.
 
He has also established trust and credibility with the executive leadership team by delivering on his promises and exceeding their expectations.
 
Encouraging collaboration
 
Reedman’s influence extends into other departments to collaborate and co-create solutions that address business challenges and opportunities.
 
He has fostered a culture of innovation and experimentation that encourages cross-functional teams to share ideas, feedback, and best practices. He has also facilitated the adoption and integration of technology solutions by providing training, support, and change management.
 
Reedman has also influenced the industry and the community to recognise and appreciate the achievements and contributions of the organisation and the IT function.
 
He has participated in and spoken at various industry events, forums, and media outlets, showcasing the organisation’s success stories and thought leadership.
 
“Reedman and his team also initiated and supported various social and environmental initiatives, such as donating mobile phones to DV Safe Phone to support domestic violence victims, demonstrating his commitment to Catholic Healthcare’s values,” he says.
 
Inclusive workplace
 
Reedman has established an inclusive workplace culture at Catholic Healthcare, enabling the IT team to thrive and grow. His approach focuses on creating a diverse, supportive, and continuously improving environment that reflects the organisation’s and customers’ diversity.
 
Reedman’s leadership exemplifies a comprehensive approach to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and continuously improving workplace culture.
 
“My vision for the future is ongoing innovation, empowerment, and collaboration, positioning the organisation and its IT function for sustained success and impact,” he says.
 
Building partnerships
 
He also emphasises the importance of partnership and collaboration with other C-level executives, board members, and business units.
 
“By aligning the IT strategy and initiatives with the organisation’s vision and goals, it ensures that the IT function is seen as a valued, trusted partner and enabler,” he says. “This collaborative approach helps integrate IT into the broader organisational strategy, maximising its impact and effectiveness.”
 
Reedman is committed to connecting and contributing to industry and the community. By sharing the organisation’s and IT function’s best practices and lessons learned, Reedman aims to contribute to the broader industry dialogue. This outward-facing approach enhances the organisation’s reputation and aligns with its values and mission.
 
Diversity and inclusion

When it comes to his own team, Reedman has actively sought to build a team that mirrors the diversity of the organisation and its clientele.
 
“This effort is not just about recruitment but also about retention and promotion,” he says. “By providing equal opportunities and resources, I have fostered an environment where all team members have the chance to excel.”

Reedman recruits, retains, and promotes talent from various backgrounds, genders, ages, abilities, and perspectives. This ensures equal opportunities and access to resources for everyone.
 
He has invested significantly in the team’s skills and capabilities, offering various learning and development opportunities such as online courses, certifications, workshops, and conferences.
 
“This commitment to continuous improvement and innovation ensures that the team stays at the forefront of technological advancements, for example, experimenting with emerging technologies such as 5G, IoT, augmented reality, and virtual reality,” he says.