Research groups

Allied health at THHS represents 27 disciplines, of which more than half are research active. The focus for the allied health researchers is the methods associated with health services research such as health economics (including discrete choice experiments), health policy, patient reported outcomes and implementation research. Notable projects include: mild cognitive impairment, the adoption of new technologies in radiation therapy, improving the prescribing practices of junior doctors through a pharmacist educator, measurement of foetal kidney development and evaluations of allied health first contact models of care. The strategic intent of allied health and health practitioner research is to build capacity and capability amongst staff by supporting them to conduct research that is close to practice as part of their core business and in partnership with academic or clinical partners. There are active research hubs in the following departments:

• Clinical measurement (cardiology)
• Dietetics
• Medical Imaging (ultrasound)
• Medical Physics
• Pharmacy
• Podiatry
• Psychology
• Radiation therapy
• Speech Pathology

Name: Tilley Pain
Ph: (07) 4433 4154
Email: {"ct":"IoIWeBwbTn9f\/4YN4FrxkHZDoV4aNh0wFwRBOACkXmc=","iv":"ca02e6fb6634e4a350ffa9d2ddf69e77","s":"5ba4152a3295d9d1"}

The Townsville Cancer Centre is located within the University Hospital and is the major diagnostic and treatment facility in our region, supporting a population of 600, 000 (including Mackay and Northwest.) We routinely accept referrals from private providers and other regional facilities such as Cairns and Rockhampton.

Our centre includes Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology and Haematology inpatient and outpatient services, treating malignancies in the neo-adjuvant, adjuvant, and palliative setting. We maintain close and collaborative relationships with our multidisciplinary partners in surgery, radiology, pathology, allied health, and other medical sub specialities through our multidisciplinary team networks.  Our oncology treatment facilities include four Linear Accelerators, Brachytherapy Suite, Bone Marrow Transplantation, Apheresis and CAR T.

Our team

The Clinical Trials team has over two decades of experience participating in international and multi-centre industry sponsored and collaborative group, phase 1 to 3 clinical trials.

The multi-disciplinary team includes, 19 principal and sub investigations, a nurse unit clinical trials manager, 2 clinical trial fellows / registrars, 9 clinical nurse trial coordinators, 1 radiation therapist coordinator, 2 clinical trial pharmacists and a clinical manufacturing assistant, 2 medical students and 2 administration officers.

Capacity/capability overview

• Experienced in Phase 1 to 3b Industry and Collaboration Group Interventional Trials.
• Inpatient and outpatient administration / observation & monitoring.
• Serial PK sampling up to 8 hours post infusion in the outpatient setting.
• Onsite Pathology, Pharmacy, Medical Imaging trial support services.
  • Compounding facilities.
• Telehealth / Teletrial delivery options.
• Large / Secure dedicated clinical trials offices.
• Remote and on-site monitoring.
• 12 to 16 weeks start up timeframe (selection to commencement of recruitment).
• Can accept HREC approval from any public / private HREC.

New study enquiries

• Please contact Melanie Taylor, Clinical Trials Manager, +61 7 44333549, {"ct":"GuBA1DdDggeL+6oIDC7MhnUV1FVw3enZbOFskx\/BCAE=","iv":"0afae9f52266d617d9cb78b913e9f0d8","s":"095f643664641111"} (Clinical Trials Nurse Unit Manager / Start-up specialist) or your prospective Principal Investigator directly.
• Site CV / Prospectus can be provided on request.
• All new studies enquiries, and feasibilities will be reviewed by all members of the speciality trials team each month. The Medical Oncology PI Team meets every 4^th Thursday, and the Haematology PI Team meets on the 2^nd and 4^th Tuesday of each month.
• The Clinical Trials Nurse Unit Manager will email the sponsor within 5 working days of the meeting to discuss site timeframes, organise site selection visit and / or seek confirmation to proceed with start-up.

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Townsville Cancer Centre - Investigator-led research

• We have 20-30 active projects at any given time, broadly within 3 areas: person-centred care (including innovative models of care, integrated care pathways, and patient experiences & preferences); innovative treatments and technologies (including implementation of new technologies, and their evaluation); and equity in care (including collaborating to Close the Gap, financial toxicity, and addressing rural and remote inequities). 
• Dr Amy Brown: Research Fellow
• Email: {"ct":"Nqtd3RG97D6WEciqhoGeYok4FttKho6DpOXA49aJqtqbHbSi2ICJK9DzHtDoAB0n","iv":"a30553c2e938f9fffe56da2601276178","s":"b8796b4d7722db4e"} 
• Phone: (07) 4433 5046

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The Department of Emergency Medicine at Townsville University Hospital has research occurring across medical, nursing and allied health streams. 

The team is recognised for its work in:

• Reducing low-value care
• Design and evaluation of diagnostic guidelines
• Leading the adoption of technological vital sign monitoring for ED waiting room patients
• Leading the involvement of consumers in research at THHS

Our collaborative approach sees us working with clinical staff and academic researchers across Australia. Our key collaborators include:

Queensland health facilities

• Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
• Princess Alexandra Hospital
• Gold Coast University Hospital
• Sunshine Coast University Hospital
• Toowoomba Hospital
• Cairns Hospital
• Mackay Hospital

Universities

• James Cook University
• University of Queensland
• Queensland University of Technology
• Griffith University
• University of South Australia

Interstate health facilities

• University Hospital Geelong
• Royal Children’s Hospital
• Monash Health

Pre-hospital and retrieval service providers

• Retrieval Services Queensland
• LifeFlight Australia
• Royal Flying Doctor Service

Name: Dr Vinay Gangathimmaiah, Emergency Physician
Address: Townsville University Hospital Emergency Department. 100 Angus Smith Drive, Douglas QLD 4814.
Ph: (07) 4433 1111
Email: {"ct":"USNfHPAcy9rzO+Q9T7pmYSgsCzslslpEFAvK3aGR43lbd+M4xz\/07St4bq\/h2bz9","iv":"fc6c578989996b26a3924bab93fdfdb4","s":"756e18c391e789f3"}

The Translational Research in Endocrinology and Diabetes (TREAD) program was established in 2012 to provide patients with an opportunity to participate in clinical trials. This unit is a collaboration between Endocrinologists at Townsville University Hospital and James Cook University clinical researchers.

Our bench to bed research includes studies on:

• Diabetes and foot complications
• Novel technologies and artificial intelligence for management of diabetes and foot complications
• Diabetes and cardiovascular complications
• Telehealth in management of Diabetes and Endocrine diseases in rural/remote North Queensland
• Diabetes and Endocrine care in Indigenous Australians
• Diabetes prevention programs

Name: Prof Usman Malabu
Phone: (07) 4433 2235
Fax: +61 7 4433 2239
Email: {"ct":"Qnx6SpWA4rQ9Q6ursWc3kXjVA5LJGimI02Mpb8ydUcquOVgVSVCKX7V7Gc7H+yN8","iv":"710ee2dfa522862e319cb9bb092236e8","s":"8abd127f169a20d7"}

The Townsville Mental Health Service supports Medical, Nursing and Allied Health staff to create and translate research into evidenced-based outcomes, and improve patient outcomes through robust quality initiatives. Research support is provided to staff by the Professor of Psychiatry and a CNC/Senior Research Officer.

Name: Prof Carlo Longhitano
Professor of Psychiatry
Corianne Richardson CNC/Senior Research Officer.
Ph: (07) 4433 9176
Email:   {"ct":"2wb4OViBRgPZ5oayEhPAWDnlyJLDyFHPWghnkpCsmZA4knCJayJd8+\/ZhQjEz2M+","iv":"4017b587c9355d29adf20947eef83353","s":"7a5721bf9a7b1446"}
{"ct":"DHdfwEdaIYXRvCmEU7JS1Xj4LIfNAEld5Ici5UStNhkMMwtlL8ZuGeHAqdGEDPsc","iv":"6f6f3727dca1392d96a05274212bf0a1","s":"8b4bd6afb6079e4c"}

The Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Department at Townsville University Hospital have been undertaking research into locally relevant infectious diseases for over 25 years.  This has resulted in publications and grants particularly in the areas of:

• Melioidosis: This department is well established as a national and international research site on relevant clinical, epidemiological and diagnostic research into this locally important condition.
• Q fever: This condition is endemic in the region. Local risk factors have been described by our researchers. We are currently involved in a consortium with NSW, researchers into further aspects of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of this condition.
• Rheumatic fever: This is an important condition among the indigenous population. We are currently looking at valvulitis models and improved diagnostics.
• Other locally relevant infectious conditions. These include Salmonellosis, Cryptococcosis and parasitic diseases.

The group been involved in collaborations with both national and international colleagues on these and other areas of research and has provided a starting point for emerging researchers at Townsville University Hospital and across regional Queensland to enter research.

Name: Dr Robert Norton
Director of Microbiology and Pathology
Tel: (07) 4433 2400
Email: {"ct":"ZhriovaAkVjyUFzv7OUpR2SgwXsNK05U9vdWkXzD96NXMzJ0ctb+GPNr+1nV2ZsZ","iv":"22148c87bd898a0a4f5417110ea50643","s":"bb53844aec33f754"}

The 'Trial Ready' Stroke Centre was established in 2024 in collaboration with NHMRC, James Cook University and Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre. The aim of this is to increase the opportunities for regional people to access and participate in clinical trials that are testing interventions to improve outcomes following stroke.

The Comprehensive Stroke Centre at TUH operates a” Hub and Spoke” service model with Cairns, Mackay and Mount Isa, broadening the opportunity to establish a more active northern Queensland clinical trail cluster environment.

We are also involved in research projects in multiple sclerosis and neuromuscular diseases.

Name: Dr Ravindra Urkude
Phone: (07) 4433 3384
Fax: +61 7 4433 2239
Email: {"ct":"RGcOOoLM7qtZQCXLBnQiT22aj7eJpvI4MKWcv1ykc0qDnceJFjktI8JLHlXG3bFo","iv":"31d3f0e34cb7d7ff0805bffd2a71bcf3","s":"1dc87f8f2e7718c1"}

The aim of Nursing and Midwifery Research is to foster a vibrant research culture that translates to practice, education and policy.

The focus of activity is on translational research areas:

• Improving clinical outcomes
• Optimising the patient’s experience of care
• Contributing to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Technology and innovation in healthcare

Name: Prof Rachel Walker
Address:  Townsville Institute of Clinical Research and Innovation, Level 2 Townsville University Hospital
Ph: 
Email: 

The Orthopaedic Research Institute of QLD (ORIQL) is a registered health promotion charity dedicated to the investigation and treatment of musculoskeletal disease.  Commencing in 2013, ORIQL has focused on improving clinical outcomes for patients, particularly those in regional areas. By collaborating with partners such as Townsville University Hospital, James Cook University (JCU), Mater Hospital, University of Tasmania (UTAS) and valued Industry Partners, ORIQL each year aims to develop research and treatment strategies that are accessible and beneficial to patients.

The Institute offers two surgical fellowships, providing opportunities for surgeons to enhance their skills and knowledge through research and clinical experience. Two previous fellows have completed PhDs during their time at ORIQL, demonstrating the commitment to advancing knowledge and expertise in the field of orthopaedics.

ORIQL also provides research opportunities for accredited and non-accredited trainees to participate in collaborative orthopaedic research. This allows trainees to contribute to ongoing projects, gain valuable experience, and contribute to the collective effort to improve musculoskeletal health outcomes for patients in this health service and surrounding region.

Contact: Andrea Grant (Research Coordinator)
Address: ORIQL House, 7 Turner Street, Pimlico
Ph: (07) 4755 3564
Email: {"ct":"NFna7vDDGh2y0TAa5yWXkaQixZDY16J5hPqTWH80So4BokUoTBJ4O5h6guv6qTSk","iv":"576e863ce34ddf373cd908dfba44da89","s":"e667844b46c07b75"}

The Townsville University Hospital is the home for North Queensland’s only tertiary perinatal centre. The multidisciplinary research group is committed to enhancing health and improving outcomes for the diverse cohort of mothers and babies across the region. The Group are research active in all aspects of perinatal medicine including observational and epidemiology studies and clinical trials.  Strong research collaboration has been established with many external organisations including James Cook University, Mater Hospital Brisbane, Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland (MRI-UQ), The University of Queensland and the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI: Newcastle).

Name: Dr Yoga Kandasamy
Address: NICU, Townsville University Hospital
Ph: (07) 4433 1111
Email: {"ct":"yB7b195Ayji7EhUpx3\/GKjhXuS9KFiLmTqamEZlSVwJd2QQUnLsgLfxCPfAMdFSh","iv":"03079b752f4554d875afc954d645300c","s":"1f372ba12d288fe8"}

Research Midwife : Ms Annemarie Lawrence
Email: {"ct":"oVIldXi++vIphK75PYB2JHu5ZKDGJ2KReNtiWPB9Hd+4FTDkJ5U29ufSMwGLIXWb","iv":"7a720db1475021d7539c89ba90f9531a","s":"326542f1905122e6"}

This group undertakes research aimed to improve the understanding and management of peripheral vascular disease including lower limb peripheral artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, diabetes-related foot disease, carotid artery disease and venous disease. This group has established research collaborations with many external organisations and is coordinated through James Cook University.

Name: Professor Jonathan Golledge
Email: {"ct":"4jXCq+2\/X40hYvBnEsL3ZPNxVDGV0\/yh2L17RC71tSE=","iv":"65882e710445943e708e535125c30b09","s":"52f1f06ced4ca8b3"}

The Pharmacy Research Orientated Group supports and conducts research in the field of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical care.

The group is recognised for its work in:

• Quality use of medicines, with expertise in medication safety and drug usage evaluations, ensuring prescriptions align with therapeutic recommendations and are cost-effective;
• Contributing to national guidelines to improve patient safety, clinical flow and patient care;
• Contributing to the creation of the National Residency training program, and leading TUH to become the only non-capital city site accredited by SHPA in its initial 2017 accreditation round;
• Establishing concomitant hyperbaric and OPAT (antimicrobial) infusion therapy;
• Treatment of paracetamol overdose which led to statewide changes in ieMR powerplan;
• Increasing prescribing training and competence amongst junior doctors

PhROG has an “open door” policy and registered health professionals are welcome; we encourage discussion about new ideas and potential projects.

Name: Dr Kelvin Robertson
Email: {"ct":"laKyIgljxE7xWhwcetsBtMJSgJfGjaZ5NgOnZ3SU5+47r+B5ITzKcrZ7OY7YZm6N","iv":"ec17ff4cad0e237e22505c4d663235d2","s":"07e0e05f6cc79f0f"}

The Renal Research Group is actively participating in studied aimed at improving outcomes in kidney health including involvement in the following clinical trials:

• Symptom Monitoring with Feedback Trial (SWIFT)
• Pragmatic randomised trial of High Or Standard PHosphate Targets in end-stage kidney disease (PHOSPHATE)
• Investigation of Metformin therapy to ease decline of kidney function in Polycystic Kidney Disease (IMPEDE-PKD)
• RENAL- LIFECYCLE (A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial to Assess the Effect of Dapagliflozin on Renal and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Severe Chronic Kidney Disease)

Trials completed by the Department include:

• Peritoneal Dialysis Patients (PDOPPS),
• registry studies for epidemiology (CKD-QLD) and
• screening rare genetic diseases (ACQUIRE)

We are also involved in studies for Hemodialysis patients (Improving access, reducing infections, dialysis prescription)

Name: Dr Vikas Srivastava
Email: {"ct":"QUwlmhQaR+ovxU0JR9hI9J10gn8pOHKSwrZZaWn6oQWYcHSZDyF9IE\/36M0MBY2Q","iv":"171ddcc53e31986b6600cabdef351a4b","s":"be6dffb8166b8524"}

The focus of the Townsville Rheumatology research group is on rheumatic disease and their management, and complications from both disease and treatment perspectives.  A key goal of the Townsville Rheumatology research group is to develop a database for patients in northern Queensland which will allow comparison between disease profile and outcomes for the NQ cohort and populations elsewhere in Australia and internationally.  The group also seeks to engage in multicentre trials that allow comparison with other centres to help inform service development and to maximise our ability to deliver patients the best level of care.

Recent research has been assessing immunosuppression in specific groups of patients and the impact that it has on their lives.

Name: Sayed Fayez

Ph: 4433 2572

Email: {"ct":"fDYLmm+heXyviYE9wkdhv7YV7TRG25wZQWXBJ2ZYwgQ=","iv":"b052f89b192b76fbfed440faae76b87e","s":"7a52bb397831686a"}