Research institute a game-changer for North Queensland

A new $4.4 million research institute at The Townsville Hospital is set to further establish Townsville as Northern Australia’s premier health and knowledge centre.

This morning, Minister for Communities and Minister for Disability Services and Seniors Coralee O’Rourke will open the Townsville Institute of Health Research and Innovation (TIHRI).

Ms O’Rourke said research was a key pillar of the Queensland public health system and would be essential in meeting growing demand for services.

“Every year more and more people look to the public health system to care and health research is essential in finding new and innovative ways to meet this demand,” he said.

“Today is about providing a modern space for our hardworking health staff to conduct world-leading research surrounded by all the necessary supports.

“The goal is that one day the work done at this institute will lead to breakthroughs that help improve the way we care not just for Queenslanders but for all.”

Townsville Hospital and Health Service Board Chair Mr Tony Mooney said health professionals had punched above their weight in delivering nationally recognised research.

“The research outcomes we’ve had come out of this organisation with doctors, nurses and allied health staff conducting their work in staff rooms and corners of their offices,” he said.

“In this new facility, our researchers will have access to all our research support staff who can provide advice about governance, ethics and attracting funding.

“We also have a dedicated area for clinical trials.”

Mr Mooney said Townsville researchers had pioneered major research breakthroughs that have led to delivering chemotherapy via telehealth, using technology to reduce rates of preventable amputations in diabetics and world-leading treatment methods for jellyfish stings.

“While the big cities in Australia have the population advantage we have unique health research opportunities in North Queensland that are incomparable world-wide,” he said.

“By providing a modern, on-site research space and by working with our neighbours at James Cook University will be able to better attract the best and brightest researchers.

“This is another major step towards solidifying Townsville as the health and knowledge precinct of Northern Australia.”

TIHRI includes space for clinical trials, research, education and support staff as well as study areas for researchers from both Townsville Hospital and James Cook University.

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