Latest news with #ICN
Hamilton Spectator
6 days ago
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
New website looking for your health care stories
Albertans have a new online platform to share their lived experiences directly with the provincial health care system. Care Opinion initially launched 20 years ago in the United Kingdom to give citizens there an equal opportunity to tell stories regarding their personal health care – good or bad – and contribute to meaningful collaboration and change. debuted here in Alberta at the beginning of May. The website is operated by the non-profit, citizen-led Imagine Citizens Network (ICN). Patients across the province, or those with a close relationship to a patient, are being encouraged to submit stories that have happened within the last three years. Each story is carefully reviewed by a team of moderators, then posted to the Care Opinion Canada website along with searchable tags based on the themes included in the story, as well as the names of specific facilities, if they are provided. 'Our goal for Care Opinion is not meant to be a soapbox to complain, but rather be a safe place to contribute your story,' says Don McLeod, ICN executive director. 'The point is to tell your story and share your lived experience so that the system can learn and collectively we can make improvement happen in Alberta.' McLeod says he understands that some may struggle to trust the moderation process. However, he explains that the goal is to protect the confidentiality of patients and caregivers, and remove anything that might be considered discriminatory, slanderous or offensive without compromising the message at the heart of the story. A full statement of moderation principles is available on the Care Opinion Canada website. Each story is also assigned a criticality score between one and five, with five being the most critical. McLeod says care providers, whether they are subscribed to the service or not, are notified about every story and given an opportunity to either craft a response themselves or have Care Opinion Canada respond on their behalf. 'Everyone is always a little concerned about an online platform like this, but our moderation process is very constructive,' McLeod noted. 'Over 70 per cent of the stories over 20 years in the UK have been positive. The biggest impact of Care Opinion has been improving staff morale and focusing on what works well. In Alberta, we just crossed the first 100 story line, and already we have almost 80 per cent positive stories.' Several thousand care providers, including those across the local Chinook Primary Care Network, are already subscribed to Care Opinion Canada, with more being added all the time. McLeod told the Herald that subscribers must sign a two-year agreement, and the service can be customized based on the provider's needs. The website is receiving some financial support from Alberta Innovates and Alberta Health over the next three years, meaning that providers can access Care Opinion Canada for a minimal fee for the time being. McLeod hopes his organization will become more self-sufficient in the future, but this government funding will help with operating costs in the meantime. McLeod adds that the funding will not compromise the platform's commitment to be a neutral space for patient stories to be heard. 'The lived experiences of citizens, patients, family members and community members are important pieces of evidence to change the system. Our sole focus is to gather people to tell their stories and to make sure those stories get rolled into reports that inform policy changes at the system level, but also how programs and services are delivered at individual organizations. We value independence and we are also recognized as a trusted organization across the health system in Alberta. We write reports based on what we hear, not what the government wants to hear.' While there is still plenty of work to be done in Alberta, McLeod says Care Opinion Canada is already making connections with the other provinces and territories. He is hopeful that conversations will begin within the next year or two to launch the service in other parts of the country. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NGP Capital backs Impossible Cloud Network at $470m valuation
ICN wins investment from tech VC to expand decentralized cloud services ZUG, Switzerland, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Impossible Cloud Network (ICN), Web3's leading decentralized cloud network, is announcing a new investment from NGP Capital, the venture capital firm that invested in Helium, is backed by telecommunications giant Nokia, and has just valued ICN at $470 million. Led by tech entrepreneur Kai Wawrzinek, founder of NASDAQ Unicorn Goodgame Studios, ICN is meeting increasing demand for data-sovereign cloud solutions. The funding round from NGP has attracted substantial interest from Web2 leaders keen to expand into this growing sector. Commenting on this significant milestone, Wawrzinek says: "With NGP Capital, we've found a perfect partner with deep expertise in cloud and edge computing that can advise on large-scale infrastructure projects. We are thrilled to be partnered with an investor who believes in ICN's vision." With over $5 million of annual recurring revenue, ICN is already proving the case for decentralized cloud models, which offer significant cost savings compared to centralized providers. ICN's research shows decentralized cloud solutions are 80% cheaper for enterprises than Amazon Web Services (AWS), while network performance is often superior. More than this, decentralized cloud services are immune to centralized data control, manipulation, and information loss. By their very nature, decentralized networks also promote user empowerment and foster data sovereignty – both increasingly important factors in the age of AI. NGP Capital has a history of backing transformative Web2 and Web3 companies, including Xiaomi and Helium. The firm has over $1.6 billion of assets under management and boasts 19 unicorns and 11 IPO exits. As such, its investment in ICN is a strong signal that data sovereignty and decentralized architecture are crucial future technologies. Ossi Tiainen, Partner of NGP Capital, says, "We believe ICN's innovative decentralized approach has the potential to reshape the global cloud landscape, providing data protection and data sovereignty where it doesn't exist now. The company's impressive traction and experienced team make ICN a serious contender among the next generation of cloud infrastructure providers, and we're excited to be on board." ICN is currently poised to list its native token $ICNT, which will play a pivotal role in the ecosystem by rewarding independent node operators and providing governance rights to key stakeholders. The token's upcoming launch on leading centralized exchanges will boost both accessibility and ecosystem growth as the firm expands globally. About Impossible Cloud Network (ICN) Impossible Cloud Network (ICN) is building a permissionless, open cloud network to rival Big Tech giants like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google. With resilient, high-performance decentralized cloud services, ICN is laying the foundation for a scalable, secure, and community-driven global cloud that supports enterprise, AI, gaming, applications, and end-users. With real-world adoption already generating million-dollar revenue and a vision for 200+ decentralized cloud services, ICN offers a true alternative to monopolistic hyperscalers. Users can learn more about ICN: About NGP Capital NGP Capital is a global VC that invests in early-stage technology companies across Europe and the US. For over two decades, NGP has invested in more than 120 companies, of which 19 became unicorns and 11 went on to IPO. Some of the companies NGP has backed include Lime, GetYourGuide, Helium, Deliveroo, The Exploration Company, and Xiaomi. Users can learn more about NGP Capital at: ContactRebecca JonesBlock3 PRrebecca@ Photo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Impossible Cloud Network Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Jordan Times
18-05-2025
- Health
- Jordan Times
Princess Muna attends launch of global nursing report 2025
HRH Princess Muna, president of the Jordanian Nursing Council and patron for nursing and midwifery in the eastern Mediterranean region, on Sunday attends the launch of the "State of the World's Nursing 2025" report (Petra photo) AMMAN — HRH Princess Muna, president of the Jordanian Nursing Council and patron for nursing and midwifery in the eastern Mediterranean region, on Sunday attended the launch of the "State of the World's Nursing 2025" report. Organised by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Council of Nurses (ICN), the event included a special session for regional leaders titled "The Nursing Challenge Now: Nursing in the 21st Century — Insights from the Eastern Mediterranean", as well as a regional celebration organised by the UAE Ministry of Health. In a recorded address to mark International Nurses Day on 12 May, Princess Muna emphasised the importance of strategic investment in nursing, describing nurses as key partners in building resilient health systems and achieving universal health coverage. She highlighted the report's focus on achievements and ongoing challenges, emphasising that nurses are "not just caregivers, but essential contributors to national health resilience", according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. She urged governments and international partners to adopt policies that support nursing education, ensure safe working environments and expand advanced nursing roles. She also commended Jordan for its commitment to empowering nurses, particularly in recognition of their invaluable contributions on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report revealed that countries investing in nursing see a 25 per cent improvement in healthcare quality, emphasising the impact of a well-supported nursing workforce. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on global leaders to address disparities in nursing and to use the report as a roadmap for reform. ICN President Pamela Cipriano and CEO Howard Catton emphasised the urgent need for investment to address global shortages and improve workforce distribution. Key issues raised by nursing leaders included improving working conditions, achieving pay equity, supporting mental health, strengthening education and advancing leadership opportunities within the profession. Roweida Maaitah, advisor to Princess Muna, also participated as a keynote speaker, reaffirming Jordan's position as a leader in nursing through its global partnerships and national initiatives, which are aligned with the vision of Princess Muna and the guidance of His Majesty King Abdullah.
Jordan Times
18-05-2025
- Health
- Jordan Times
Princess Muna joins launch of global nursing report 2025
AMMAN — HRH Princess Muna, president of the Jordanian Nursing Council and patron for nursing and midwifery in the eastern Mediterranean region, on Sunday attended the launch of the "State of the World's Nursing 2025" report. Organised by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Council of Nurses (ICN), the event included a special session for regional leaders titled "The Nursing Challenge Now: Nursing in the 21st Century — Insights from the Eastern Mediterranean", as well as a regional celebration organised by the UAE Ministry of Health. In a recorded address to mark International Nurses Day on 12 May, Princess Muna emphasised the importance of strategic investment in nursing, describing nurses as key partners in building resilient health systems and achieving universal health coverage. She highlighted the report's focus on achievements and ongoing challenges, emphasising that nurses are "not just caregivers, but essential contributors to national health resilience", according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. She urged governments and international partners to adopt policies that support nursing education, ensure safe working environments and expand advanced nursing roles. She also commended Jordan for its commitment to empowering nurses, particularly in recognition of their invaluable contributions on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report revealed that countries investing in nursing see a 25 per cent improvement in healthcare quality, emphasising the impact of a well-supported nursing workforce. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesuscalled on global leaders to address disparities in nursing and to use the report as a roadmap for reform. ICN President Pamela Cipriano and CEO Howard Catton emphasised the urgent need for investment to address global shortages and improve workforce distribution. Key issues raised by nursing leaders included improving working conditions, achieving pay equity, supporting mental health, strengthening education and advancing leadership opportunities within the profession. Roweida Maaitah, advisor to Princess Muna, also participated as a keynote speaker, reaffirming Jordan's position as a leader in nursing through its global partnerships and national initiatives, which are aligned with the vision of Princess Muna and the guidance of His Majesty King Abdullah.
Al Etihad
12-05-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi nurses share why their work goes far beyond hospital walls
13 May 2025 01:19 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Every year on May 12, the world celebrates International Nurses Day to honour their contributions and highlight their irreplaceable role in the world of healthcare. The date marks the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, whose legacy continues to inspire caregivers its introduction in 1965 by the International Council of Nurses (ICN), the day has become a global call to value the nursing profession, which serves as a pillar of healthcare and a foundation for healthier, more resilient the occasion of International Nurses Day, nurses in Abu Dhabi shared with Aletihad what their profession means to Sara Alkuwaiti, a nurse at Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, nursing is about rebuilding trust, being a source of comfort and guidance, and reassuring every patient that they are in safe hands.'Being a nurse is not just a profession — it is a lifelong commitment to care, compassion, and community. I'm proud to serve my country by supporting patients on their journey to better health every day,' she told Alhammadi, a nurse at HealthPlus, echoed the sentiment. To Alhammadi, every patient interaction is both a responsibility and a privilege, rooted in dignity, personal care, and compassion.'Nursing allows me to make a difference in people's lives, one patient at a time. As an Emirati nurse, I feel honoured to represent the strength and empathy of our nation's caregivers,' she told Strengthen EconomiesThis year's theme, 'Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies', serves as a reminder that supporting nurses is not only essential for patient care but also for the strength and stability of national economies. In its latest report, the ICN said that 'investing in employee health could unlock $11.7 trillion in global economic returns'. The report also cited research showing that a 1% increase in nurse density correlates with a 0.02% increase in life expectancy. And with each additional year of life expectancy, countries exhibited a corresponding 2.4% increase in economic both the ICN and the WHO warn in their reports of a worsening global nursing shortage. The WHO came out with its latest 'State of World's Nursing' report on Monday, with the UAE chairing its launch in the Eastern Mediterranean region. According to the report, the world was already short by approximately 5.8 million nurses in 2023, and by 2030, 89% of the shortage will be borne by low- and lower-middle-income ICN report added that an additional 30 million nurses will be required to meet future healthcare demands.'We cannot and would not want to envision a world without nurses. We must take action to diminish the threats to safe, supportive, and healthy working conditions that will attract future nurses and retain the dedicated nurses who are key to healthier communities, responsive societies, thriving economies, and powerful nations,' Dr. Pamela Cipriano, ICN President, said in the response, the ICN has put forward its 'Caring for Nurses Agenda', a seven-point action plan addressing urgent areas such as fair pay, safe staffing levels, workplace safety, career progression, and mental health support. Meanwhile, the WHO called on countries to scale up the nursing workforce 'by expanding education and training capacity, increasing jobs for nurses in the health system, improving working conditions and strengthening leadership and governance'.
