About HINET
Summary
The British Columbia Health Industries Network (HINET) is a world wide web site developed to meet the information and
networking needs of the British Columbia health industry.
Background
HINET originated in 1995 as an initiative of the Science Council of British Columbia Health Informatics Working
Group. The development and implementation stages were completed with grant funding from both the Science Council of B.C.
and the National Research Council.
On March 31, 1995, development implementation and management of HINET was assigned to the British Columbia Health
Industry Development Office.
Mission
HINET is a vital and dynamic, client-driven world wide web site providing a wide range of information and client support services
to all sectors of the B.C. Health industry. It presents a window into the B.C. health sector and access to resources of interest to
people within and outside of the province.
Goals
- To maintain a vital and dynamic client-driven world wide web site offering a wide range of information and client support services
- To provide access to, and encourage the use of the Internet by all sectors of the B.C. health industry.
Objectives
The objectives of the HINET website are:
- To provide a vehicle for information exchange and communication among the members of the health sector within British Columbia
- To use the latest technology to promote the health sector
- To provide a window into British Columbia's health sector for potential clients from around the world
- To provide content that is timely, accurate and useful
Description of Services
HINET offers two primary services, access to information via the web and client support services.
- Access to Information
The health industry network provides a wide range of information. The site is structured with several components,
including a section on current events and conferences, press releases, financing sources and processes for bringing
products to market. In addition, the site provides a list of useful. Hot links to other sites that may be of interest to
our users.
- Client Support Services
HINET provides a mechanism to allow British Columbia based health sector companies and organizations to have a
presence on the Internet. Currently over 400 companies are listed representing all sectors of the health industry;
medical device products and supplies, health informatics, health services, health related agencies, biotechnology
and pharmaceuticals.
Online business cards give basic contact information while their business profile provides more detailed descriptions
as well as a link to those companies who have developed their own web site.
Leadership
General direction for HINET is provided by a Board comprised of people representing the interests of all sectors of the
health industry. The Advisory Board reviews plans, funding budgets and other strategic htmlects. The Advisory Board is
represented by a working group that meets monthly to oversee operational issues.
Managerial responsibility for HINET has been assigned to the Executive Director of the British Columbia Health
Industry Development Office (BCHIDO). This office is a publicly funded initiative of the provincial government with a
mandate to undertake specific activities of the British Columbia health industry. The Executive Director provides the initiative
with executive direction, financial management and general supervision.
The day to day maintenance and expertise for HINET is provided by Lois Burton.
HINET Working Group
- Mr. Steve Kenny
- Mr. George Horne
- Ms. Annie Degagne
- Mr. Andre Gour
- Mr. Phil Mundy
- Ms. Francis Lasser
- Ms. Diane Anderson
- Ms. Lois Burton
