610 - Exploring AI and Innovation in Healthcare at the RLDatix Summit 2026

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Paula Stephenson (Executive Director of Clinical Excellence, Mercy Health), Bianca Todd (Improvement Innovation Advisor, Western District Health Service), The Hon. Victor Dominello (CEO, Future Government Institute), and Dan Michelson (CEO, RLDatix).The conversation explores the evolving landscape of healthcare compliance, workforce management, and digital transformation across the health sector.It also examines the practical impact of AI and emerging technologies on healthcare delivery, organisational change, and patient care.The discussion highlights the growing importance of accessible and meaningful data in improving quality, safety, and patient outcomes, alongside the challenges organisations face when modernising legacy systems and fragmented workflows.Speakers reflect on the role of interoperability, digital maturity, and leadership in shaping more connected healthcare environments, while also examining how AI is influencing decision making, workforce planning, and service delivery.The episode also delves into the cultural side of technology implementation, including change fatigue, clinician engagement, and the importance of building values-driven teams that can support long-term transformation.This episode was recorded at the RLDatix Connected Health and Care Summit for Asia Pacific in 2026, capturing discussions from healthcare leaders and technology innovators during the event.Key Takeaways💡 Patient-centred care is the focus of digital and AI innovation in healthcare.💡 Transitioning from paper to digital systems brings both challenges and opportunities for compliance, efficiency, and workforce management.💡 Change management and team engagement are crucial for successful technology adoption in clinical environments.💡 Breaking down data silos is essential for harnessing the full value of AI in healthcare.💡 Organisational values and a customer-obsessed approach drive better outcomes in healthcare technology projects.Timestamps00:00 – Peter Birch: Episode and event introduction00:42 – Paula Stephenson, Executive Director, Clinical Excellence, Mercy Health07:57 – Bianca Todd, Improvement Innovation Advisor, Western District Health Service16:08 – The Hon. Victor Dominello, CEO, Future Government Institute21:29 – Dan Michelson, CEO, RLDatixCheck out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to exclusive healthtech discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealth.tech/solo_shownotesAnd if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.Mentioned in this episode:Sign Up to the Free Talking Healthtech NewsletterSign up to the free Talking HealthTech newsletter for weekly digital health news, events, jobs, partner updates and Pete’s take on what matters across the sector: talkinghealthtech.com/newsletter