Two winners crowned at a Symposium-edition of The Pitch.

There were two winners of a special Symposium-edition of The Pitch — an innovation challenge sees staff pitch their ideas — no matter how big or small — to drive positive changes in services, improve patient care or support the community.

Dr Mark Greenhalgh, the Head of Newborn Care at RPA Hospital, won $15,000 for his pitch 'Fathers — are they the forgotten parent in NICU?'

He told the judges that the funding would be used to create a program tailored to make new dads feel more included in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

The money will help Dr Greenhalgh and his team pilot initiatives such as a fathers' support group and to develop education resources.

His project also won the People's Choice Award.

RPA Endocrinologist Dr Samantha Hocking won $15,000 for a customised app called MyVLED that aims to remotely support patients in obesity management.

She told the judges the app will enable remote patient monitoring, using weight loss and exercise tracking, improve safety monitoring through the remote monitoring of blood pressure and blood glucose levels and encourage program adherence.

The challenge sees staff pitch their ideas – no matter how big or small – to drive positive changes in services, improve patient care or support the community.

Five finalists competed for their share of $100,000 in funding for their projects.

Each presenter had five minutes for their pitch and there were two minutes for questions from the judges.

The judges included Board Chair John Ajaka, Board member Adjunct Professor Mary Haines, Head of Canterbury Hospital's Department of Medicine Mona Marabani, the District's Deputy Clinical Director of Aged, Chronic Care and Rehabilitation Professor Ian Caterson, the District's Head of Customer Engagement for ICT Elaine Duddy and the Acting Executive Director of Operations Kiel Harvey.

Since its inception in 2014, more than $1.6 million has been awarded for ideas that have improved care and made life better for patients.