$10 Million Investment in Research to Improve Health Care
31 August 2006
Brisbane, Australia
A $10 million grant from the State Government will help create a world-class research precinct that will lead the way in taking scientific discoveries from the lab to the bedside.
Director of The Wesley Research Institute, Professor Julie Campbell, said this facility would allow health care practitioners to apply research findings to clinical practice through education and training.
"Research is the cornerstone of innovation in health care. Scientific discoveries must continually be applied to health care practices to create better outcomes for patients," Professor Campbell said.
"Clinical research simply cannot operate effectively in silos so this new facility within one of Queensland’s largest not-for-profit hospitals will form the heart of a research precinct that will link science to clinical practice.
"It will create a stronger health care workforce in both the public and private sectors and improve outcomes for patients and reduce costs for health care in Queensland."
Research within the Centre will address urgent and emerging challenges in the areas of preventative health care, child and youth health and aged care.
Professor Campbell said the facility would not waste funding by duplicating facilities, services or research that already exist in Brisbane. "From the early planning stages through to the hands-on research, this will be a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors, research institutions, and universities.
"Collaboration will mean we aren’t doubling up and wasting time and money. Instead we’ll create a research precinct that does what it’s meant to do – get better results for patients faster.’
The Wesley Research Institute, based at Brisbane’s Wesley Hospital, is the research arm of the Uniting HealthCare Group of six private hospitals.
"With 46 per cent of patient admissions in Queensland occurring in private hospitals, private hospitals make a significant contribution to the delivery of health care in Queensland.
"Creating a research precinct at the heart of one of the largest not-for-profit private hospital groups in Australia makes sense.
"Our clinical research addresses a critical health priority – improving patient care and quality of life for patients now while making a lasting difference to health care practices."
Professor Campbell said the Centre would allow the Institute to triple the amount of research conducted and expand resources to apply findings to treatment and diagnosis more quickly. The new facility will complement the Institute’s existing facilities including a Tissue Bank and Clinical Trials Centre due to open in November.
The Wesley Research Institute’s researchers are doctors, nurses and health professionals who work directly with patients on clinical research projects to improve treatments across all health care facilities in Queensland.
For further information contact:
07 3232 7264