Research groups

Allied health at Townsville HHS 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":"Jitn6SK+\/Vh7UN8f7Zn4Lx5Y5oI654VT7c+7M50pNR8=","iv":"1de08e048d26bf725c7bc7e2170896dc","s":"6a4b069c06e2e641"}

Clinical Trials: Our mission is to continue to explore and implement innovative models of care for rural patients participating in studies, incorporating the emergence of Telehealth in the setting of clinical trials. Clinical trials are offered to our patients as part of progressive treatment programs within the Townsville Cancer Centre. We participate in a considerable number of international, multi-centre group and industry sponsored phase II and III clinical trials.

Clinical trial NUM
(07) 4433 3549
Medical Oncology
(07) 4433 3548
(07) 4433 3221
Haematology
(07) 4433 3220
(07) 4433 4135
Radiation Therapy
(07) 4433 4281

Research: Townsville Cancer Centre projects focus on clinical research, health services research and quality improvement activities to generate new knowledge about patient care, monitor the quality of care provided, and to share findings via publications and presentations.

Name: Amy Brown, Health Research Fellow
Address: Townville Cancer Centre, Townsville University Hospital.
Ph: (07) 4433 5046
Email: {"ct":"YZxKvMZ4dnw1KvBnolW+y5NIh9VMzgIV\/f2o7DLI0bzW\/Dvqb7vz+ixgv\/fn7Puy","iv":"d546b019737ad0fe2b9a9ef12ac901d4","s":"0df0a63e54831c44"}

Cardiac and Cardiothoracic Research is a dedicated team that provides research in diverse areas which include new drug studies for both Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Electrophysiology and devices and new approaches to Cardiothoracic Surgery. Our research is supported by our Coronary Care Unit, The Cardiac Catheter Laboratory, The Cardiac Investigation Unit and the Intensive Care Unit as well as allied health, who all provide specialist care of our research participants. Our aim is to provide quality outcomes that benefit and deliver new and better health outcomes for not only Queensland but the whole of the country.

Name: Mr Tony Farley
Address: Level 1 Acute Block, The Townsville Hospital,
100 Angus Smith Drive, Douglas QLD 4814
Ph: (07) 4433 3499
Email: {"ct":"SqTsoYAwoWQQOwzpeM99X\/5jt91cn0xr3ryZRcCGG5U=","iv":"553d3088af7efea64d0ce7b74a71e4fe","s":"0308cc245f3d6e09"}

The Townsville Critical Care Research Group consists of researchers in Adult intensive care, Paediatric Intensive Care and Anaesthesia. They work across the specialties to contribute knowledge and understanding in evolving fields like perioperative medicine as well as in their parent specialties of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine. The group aims to grow Townsville as an academic centre of excellence and nurture a curiosity driven approach to research amongst medical students and trainee specialists. Difficult airway management techniques, Indigenous perioperative research, prehabilitation of frail patients, critical care ultrasonography and datalinkage studies exploring outcomes of cardiac surgery and emergency laparotomy are current endeavours of the group.

Dr Siva Senthuran
Email: {"ct":"bJoIFHOfMVivFoTTwxSWmbhcF\/H4uXsc\/mtwT+O2xpf7VSRErgLvuaA9J3gaOpiG","iv":"d48b1afbdedd95f3d2692d20226827a1","s":"376d410d7e7bb0f3"}
Tel: (07) 4433 1111

The Dermatology Research Group is focused on clinical and epidemiological dermatologic research that benefits the people of North Queensland. Drawing on a broad mix of patients from a large referral base, the group’s focus is primarily on interventions for inflammatory and infective dermatoses in both adult and paediatric patients. Foremost among our priorities are:

1.Participating in multi-centre drug trials that allow the people of North Queensland to access and benefit from cutting edge treatments, and

2.To advance the knowledge of lesser studied dermatoses endemic to our region.

Name: Dr Aaron Boyce and Ms Zoe Chattin

Address: Level 2 Townsville Institute of Health Research and Innovation, Townsville University Hospital

Ph: (07) 4433 2862 (Zoe Chattin)

Email: {"ct":"tYiKp3dPkfiuchCVQ1qBmjcsNxEg\/aX7oaesItkT\/VE=","iv":"c7410bdf8a6ec99394bfb76dbebfb1d1","s":"685104b5ff60d729"}

The Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Research Group engages in a variety of research areas including national and international multicentre trials. A multidisciplinary group has conducted research in our area; nursing, pharmacy, medicine and technical staff. We have been successful in securing internal and external grants to assist with our research. There is a close working relationship with James Cook University. Current research focuses on the pre-hospital care of injured divers: oxygen delivery and helicopter retrieval.

Dr Denise Blake
Emergency Physician
Townsville University Hospital, Emergency Department, 100 Angus Smith Drive, Douglas, QLD, 4814
Phone: (07) 4433 1111
Email: {"ct":"Uzd\/lDOpauj9MciYHLaGhpIJ9cpYihy+b+e\/SpJ5wMJ3nJqdVkwxvxu2hDpBZkGf","iv":"449fd9e38f6bcc66ca795b1219b51f12","s":"0ccab4e4ba20f64b"}

The Department of Emergency Medicine at Townsville University Hospital has research occurring across medical, nursing and allied health streams. Our collaborative approach sees us working with clinical staff and academic researchers across Australia. This includes working closely with James Cook University. We are involved in multi-site trials headed up by the Paediatric Critical Care Research Group and PREDICT (Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative).

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":"Mbva24+GmGJoE1xGvS4WKKr2mPO4dF4SDhadsGZpUs9nL7vpUrarWadpUFxtdfAS","iv":"1437197a5ce70308449598b709082ef5","s":"0a13dc3af389a66d"}

The Translational Research in Endocrinology and Diabetes (TREAD) 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 cardiovascular complications including foot ulcers/kidney diseases
• Telehealth in management of Diabetes and Endocrine diseases in rural/remote North Queensland
• Diabetes and Endocrine care in Indigenous Australians
• Impact of Climate Change on Diabetes and chronic diseases

Name: Prof Usman Malabu
Address: Townsville University Hospital
100 Angus Smith Drive, Douglas QLD 4814, Australia
Office Location: Diabetes Centre, Medilink Building, Ground Floor
Phone: (07) 4433 2235
Fax: +61 7 4433 2239
Email: {"ct":"vP8RWqQWEt70SN\/iTXsrrWThI6xFlxC8aV3qwMZ5juSxenCrOZPQNQ2JvBtY7brP","iv":"fbfc2421d968bcc1dde2cba2cc42fded","s":"6044bc91e555ed5e"}

The Head and Neck Cancer research group is involved in clinical and translational research that improves outcomes for these patients. Current research projects involve investigating the effects of smoking in head and neck cancer patients. This includes an ongoing prospective study investigating cessation rates, smoking behaviours and quality of life between current and former smokers. There is also a translational research project investigating the effects of smoking on head and neck cancer stem cells.

Name: Dr Madhavi Chilkuri
Address: Radiation Oncology Department, Townsville University Hospital
Email: {"ct":"9ZhtMX5NjgoXbNW18fNoXyB1TIw\/2d3aHBcvVgu49biMXRwhhd+8TSx\/6dwgEGAD","iv":"a311396ce6b4fd4b594a967e7d0df734","s":"3dfa196f5562401f"}

Clinical research within the Infectious Diseases Unit is able to take advantage of the detailed information available from administrative hospital and pathology datasets that exists in a linked format. Numerous studies of the fascinating infections and their treatment are available. Examples include:

• Determining the long term mortality of patients admitted to Townsville Hospital with an ICD10 discharge code for an infectious disease
• Risk factors for severe community acquired Acinetobacter infection
• Community acquired pneumonia patterns, treatments and outcomes in the dry tropics
• Invasive Group A streptococcus infection incidence and its propensity for secondary cases
• Long term disease outcomes of Q fever that fall outside the typical chronic infective state

Strong links with the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine exist that provide advanced statistics and mathematical modelling of our clinical problems. Ready involvement in clinical trials designed within the unit, within AITHM and arising from the pharmaceutical industry is a bonus for clinicians and researchers interested in infectious diseases. Basic research work in dispersal of biofilm infections is a focus of the unit.         

Name: Dr Chris Heather
Address: Level 2 Townsville Institute of Health Research and Innovation, Townsville University Hospital
Ph: (07) 4433 0549
Email: {"ct":"I3Kg9ItQAO\/hG+u3pAoeqvTr66mab39Gb\/5241XjwyXHOdxwV4iU\/TtD7zo\/AMIp","iv":"45baec77ae1b9c0bc237ea4012f5ae73","s":"ed8e376c9d0ac5a4"}

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 Brett McDermott
Professor of Psychiatry
Corianne Richardson CNC/Senior Research Officer.
Address: 59 Cambridge St, Vincent
Ph: (07) 4433 9176
Email: {"ct":"Ax2JXu2oZrj317V7EPl0XQDYO2o0m1D9\/Ub6UBRoAqE=","iv":"9785461260e14df94a053f91211d4ea1","s":"9fbd85b1e758d81f"}
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THHS Dept of Microbiology has a team of experienced researchers who are involved in a range of research studies including but not limited to:

• 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 would include Salmonellosis, Cryptococcosis and parasitic diseases.

Name: Dr Robert Norton
Director of Microbiology and Pathology
Townsville University Hospital100, Angus Smith Drive, Douglas, Townsville, Queensland 4814 Australia
Tel: (07) 4433 3446
Email: {"ct":"+ANhUe4JINXxm31LsBJtoqkjJdUqmqQCw5v3nQLoG8Nv383E\/j5SjyPx0UrRxNOz","iv":"c5b57a49c68c699921981529be0e7594","s":"2d41c91dc788b250"}

The MR-linac combines the ability to acquire magnetic resonance images (MRIs) at the same time as the delivery of conventional radiation therapy on a linear accelerator (also known as a “linac”). The Townsville Cancer Centre (TCC) will be the first centre in the Southern hemisphere to install the Unity MRL.

Name: Dr Alex Tan (Program Lead)
Address: Townville Cancer Centre, Townsville University Hospital.
Ph: (07) 4433 1663
Email: {"ct":"n9UkhBTzvtnaoEy8CV3nWuRASWY\/+5czjeTYYuoiwtg=","iv":"27ba214d5e1aef8b9f004ab0ab17fb2f","s":"ac3ff642f3ef5efc"}

The Renal Research Group is actively participating in studied aimed at improving outcomes in 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
Address: Renal Unit, Townsville University Hospital
Email: {"ct":"SHnec4xHIu+8z55bqUKtgV29xvIeuK+pHjJLvz3VuMBWWVepFhaw80wqoG\/cZDLt","iv":"b72002660df9f9f1f9c344c0a0eec72d","s":"5e2282f420008299"}

THHS Neurosurgery actively encourages junior staff and medical students to participate in, publish and present, on-going departmental research. We have closely collaborated with groups in both the THHS (e.g. Pharmacology and Pathology) and the James Cook University (including Psychology, Biochemistry, Physiology, Physiotherapy and the Vascular research group). We have published widely on clinical and laboratory research, and have successfully mentored PhD, MSc and BSc Hons thesis projects, in the following areas:

• Brain tumours and epilepsy
• Cerebral aneurysms and subarachnoid haemorrhage (laboratory)
• Subdural haematomas
• Post-traumatic amnesia
• Spine surgery
• Spine pain
• Traumatic brain injury

Name: Dr Sarin Kuruvath
Email: {"ct":"YIaq70WlE+Si79a96i+gaA6\/LDuk5I24Wj6tyG2uktlODZbWZI0MMZZ86tkzHZNL","iv":"cb84cc442ad935050313c5ed36c5cab8","s":"0939f24c75389413"}

This group aims to foster research excellence in the field of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery and thus improve outcomes for our patients . There is rich collaboration across all health sectors and JCU. Research activities will span from lab based translational work to clinical trials.

Name: Dr Pranavan Palamuthusingam
Address: Institute of Surgery, Townsville University Hospital
Ph: (07) 4433 1111
Email: {"ct":"PHBHiUzs0juGC+\/0cWp6NDhmFDwCRZv3CP3hnEppG2rpI49YNhxUoh0avQUQMDYC","iv":"da70a9a13f6581f8a08a1f3f43da698c","s":"f2d03b934061a007"}

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 Cate Nagle
Address: Level 2 Townsville Institute of Clinical Research and Innovation, Townsville University Hospital
Ph: 0428 591 968
Email: {"ct":"DrhJ\/LGEsbHFcI0SYszRftKEqtIyxRtMaSJpSxk7lgs=","iv":"cf07b877e71658d2cebb2022933a44e9","s":"178facb6e0e00e6d"}

The Orthopaedic Research Institute of QLD (ORIQL) is a registered health promotion charity dedicated to the investigation and treatment of musculoskeletal disease. ORIQL possesses the expertise to undertake diverse (in-Vitro and in-Vivo), multi-disciplinary clinical projects having had completed over 25 projects since 2013. We foster relationships with both the Mater Health Services and fellow researchers from Townsville Hospital and Health Services to provide teaching and research opportunities for Medical Students to Fellows, and to promote improved health outcomes for orthopaedic patients in North Queensland.

Contact: Andrea Grant (Research Coordinator)
Address: ORIQL House, 7 Turner Street, Pimlico
Ph: (07) 4755 3564
Email: {"ct":"fK6MJqd9g5AVU5L0aNHFkJm3BgAtTCOff5DrL4VuILHfo5M1DbQLrZ+3QOsZvesl","iv":"1fff41dd10b3fba349138eb9499295d6","s":"e384c175253e045b"}

The Townsville Hospital Palliative Care Team are dedicated to continuously improve upon the services that they currently provide through research. We are in close collaboration with James Cook University to provide research activities.

Most of the current research is involving 6th year JCU medical students who have a 2-3 week attachment in the Palliative Care Service and showing a beneficial change in knowledge, skills and attitudes towards Palliative Care via the experience.

Name: Dr Ofra Fried (Program Lead)
Address: Townsville Hospital Palliative Care Centre, Townsville University Hospital,
Phone: (07) 4433 4260
Fax: (07) 4433 4261

The Townsville University Hospital Perinatal Research Group collaborates with local, national, and international research groups to investigate and improve the health and wellbeing of mothers and babies.

Research Lead: Dr David Watson
Email: {"ct":"29J+dASHw5T+su6jHEViaN2ii+EtqLHCh7ySSnVAQKlcudiLPRDP5rZbGQ2At2+z","iv":"4f772b954a62a62efd246bae58c656ec","s":"bbc390f6b92c3e11"}
Research Coordinator: Ms Annemarie Lawrence
Email: {"ct":"ocveAoiWk1auw6qz4RwEnnxL+eH2LeSodUoNoptcu59+KRKhasfYhvutBkr6ayeh","iv":"062f925fa02f31fb8a2d4064051ec924","s":"87cbf89141f7d9a6"}

The Townsville University Hospital is the home for North Queensland only tertiary perinatal centre. Approximately 25 % our clients are First Nation people. The unit is very active research in all aspects of perinatal medicine including observational study, clinical trials and epidemiological studies. It has established research collaboration with many external organisations including James Cook University, Mater Hospital Brisbane and the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI: Newcastle).

Name: Dr Yoga Kandasamy
Address: NICU, Townsville University Hospital
Ph: (07) 4433 1111
Email: {"ct":"V4x6ez4GFdc7Bxkx7c\/RlxQUY+2NfiC4Xdg8R9oxoCsrH5ULQ+htR\/X7f8uUBuzq","iv":"7a193883bc771413b8eebc938f0a74c7","s":"44f32921b7bc77cd"}

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":"mBTU0UCJiWrKB0lxu2qAhV19P5BGy3j0PivwDqOuMhA=","iv":"4f94691bf74d045d2f1ab4546a46b4dc","s":"a4641fa6867f503a"}

The Pharmacy Research Orientated Group supports and conducts research in the field of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical care. In collaboration with JCU staff from Pharmacy, in the College of Medicine & Dentistry, a recent project included a systematic review which investigated the impact of a paediatric pharmacist on patient health outcomes, and a current project exploring patient perceptions about medicines information received while in the hospital.

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":"5J7Nza0pL1VT7+YpKLo7SGKN5ylGM35qSTFcT3fySK4rNKZos3Gi32fg91ZF1W\/f","iv":"eb16f8ca194d3e9b3e5511dc22683606","s":"9790e95aa25e5509"}

Improving model of care and care access for patients with Medically Unexplained Symptoms and development of models of care in Emergency Department and For Chronic Disease

Name: Ms Vidula Garde
Department of Psychology
Ph: (07) 4728 4268
Email: {"ct":"tfqwWWd47aMx47+R53PVEUjUZaOXfusiWYLLb27lRR8m9jeDBBQ+HUInVbSSyYcA","iv":"b3b334e41aa0eda3a59b879440af442d","s":"b80db08c2fa4176a"}

The Respiratory and Sleep Unit Research group has multiple projects which collectively aim to detect disease in small airways earlier, and demonstrate increased sensitivity and specificity of disease severity grading. These studies will thereby direct clinical management strategies to ultimately improve patient outcomes. Current research aims to better understand the immunological and microbial mechanisms which drive structural and physiological changes within the small airways, including trialling of novel and less established techniques within a respiratory laboratory.
This group has extensive research collaborations with external organisations including James Cook University, Charles Sturt University and the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine. See Pulmonary Health in the Tropics for detailed description of current published and non-published papers

Email: {"ct":"fhixNTddgcA+1ZspCYt6m7eHAvPcqPV4Fg9k+WR5seY=","iv":"5a0fc11c6e30d8509447958e71357200","s":"7bbc86b3425aaca1"}
Email: {"ct":"KrIJmLOswa1YvTWR5UWLU86DXow6fhR9C3PmdD+FvsUKBJCkrx5A\/EgqKyNaB+9z","iv":"e5a7491a19060ed8a8dc1475678e875f","s":"815d83bd71e04cd9"}

The Tropical Centre for Telehealth Practice and Research (TC-TPR) is the leading telehealth innovation and research organisation in North Queensland.

Located within Townsville University Hospital and working closely with academic partners James Cook University and the Anton Briel Centre for Health Service Strengthening (Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine), the TC-TPR is dedicated to advancing telehealth practice, training and research across Northern Queensland and Australia, in order to provide quality and safe patient centred care closer to home.

Name: Prof Sabe Sabesan (Program Lead)
Address: Townville Cancer Centre, Townsville University Hospital.
Ph: (07) 4433 1671
Email: {"ct":"OZPNySiOT3TO4mYYlyFVb\/PYu52qVze\/c198ItFAuizDJhCGo3bXsFNWTKrkjtwO","iv":"64feb447f5ea59b0d82ea49f6cef956d","s":"a7f4c0078fb692c8"}