NSW Regional Health Partners

From the new online resource “Doing Research, Together”, we are excited to share ‘Words to Actions’ – a tool to empower researchers, consumers and health workers to collaborate effectively. This tool offers practical steps for co-designing and co-delivering research projects, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and valued. It also suggests ways to ensure you adopt the key principles that guide successful teamwork in research.

Download the tool now or follow to the doingresearchtogether.com.au for more information.
https://doingresearchtogether.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/RHP_WordsToActions.pdf

We would like to acknowledge three exceptional women from our partner organisations who have been awarded the Women’s Health Research Translation Network Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program!

Congratulations to:

⭐️Dr Jessie Sutherland, from the University of Newcastle and HMRI
⭐️Dr Xenia Dolja-Gore, from the University of Newcastle and HMRI
⭐️Dr Tegan Hartmann, from Charles Sturt University

These inspiring women join 29 others from around Australia to attend the Monash University Women in Leadership Program, and receive mentoring by Australian leaders in women’s health.

Nicki Hodyl, our Director, shares: “We are really proud of Dr Sutherland, Dr Dolja-Gore and Dr Hartmann for their passion and commitment to women’s health research. The fellowship will further empower them to lead and innovate in their areas of research. Congratulations to all three and all the other recipients of this year’s ELF program.”

Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI)
University of Newcastle, Central Coast
Charles Sturt University

Dr Masha Somi, Assistant Secretary of the Primary Care Reform Branch at the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care, visited Newcastle to hear from local experts leading four different integrated health care programs. These programs combine primary care, community, medical research and hospital services to provide better access to health care closer to home.

NSW Regional Health Partners, together with the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), Hunter New England Primary Health Network (the PHN) and The Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), hosted the event to showcase these exemplary models of care to Dr Somi and her team. From the Diabetes Alliance Program Plus to the Aged Care Nurse Practitioner Pilot, these initiatives are setting a new standard in patient care and outcomes.

Read more about Dr Somi’s visit and the integrated healthcare programs here https://nswregionalhealthpartners.org.au/2024/07/18/the-head-of-primary-care-reform-visits-newcastle/

Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI)
Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network
Hunter New England Local Health District

🚀 We are excited to launch “doing research, together,” an innovative online resource to help researchers, consumers, carers and healthcare workers collaborate on research projects. This platform offers practical tips, tools and templates to apply co-design principles and co-deliver research from start to finish.

Explore how this resource can help you share decisions, value everyone's knowledge equally, build relationships, and recognise contributions. It’s packed with downloadable tools and guidance through all stages of the medical research cycle.

Our special thanks to co-design specialist KA McKercher – Beyond Sticky Notes ® and our working group of consumers, researchers, healthcare staff, NSW Regional Health Partners, and Sue Muller from . Illustrators by Lucy Klippan of Good Point Design.

We encourage you to go and explore the website! https://doingresearchtogether.com.au/

In this interview with Deb Loxton, we delve into the motivations behind the establishment of the Women’s Health Research, Translation and Impact Network (WHRTN), exploring its objectives to support women in research and bridge the gaps between policy and practice.
Deb discusses her role, and some of the network’s successes. Discover more about the network here https://tinyurl.com/25hb25y3

Meet Rachel Gerathy, the driving force behind the PICNIC Project and recipient of our grant to enhance consumer and community involvement! As a health promotor and dietician at Mid North Coast Health, Rachel has dedicated nearly a decade to promoting healthier lifestyles and nutrition. For the past four years, she’s led the PICNIC project, a community driven initiative supporting parents with child feeding. Her project helps families to navigate feeding challenges, manage fussiness and foster lifelong healthy eating habits. Learn more about the highly effective feeding program here https://tinyurl.com/43bb8fpp

Today, on International Clinical Trials Day, we celebrate the remarkable efforts of our regional and rural clinical trials teams, driving advancements in medical knowledge and improving health outcomes. Learn about Calvary Mater Newcastle’s innovative trial led by clinician-researchers in our region seeking to enhance care for patients at the end of life.

https://nswregionalhealthpartners.org.au/2024/05/16/international-clinical-trials-day-bridging-healthcare-gaps-in-regional-rural-and-remote-communities/

NSWRHP is excited to be part of the successful team appointed to evaluate the Rapid Applied Research Translation projects funded by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). Led by Dr Simon Deeming, a Senior Health Economist at Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), our evaluation aims to understand the factors that promote the adoption, impact and sustainability of evidence-based practice in health care. Read more in the full article https://tinyurl.com/4h3375dj

Meet Cath Johnson, our Clinical Trials Network Coordinator.👋With over 25 years’ experience, Cath is passionate about connecting Network members to share learnings and achievements. She’s just wrapped up the 34th meeting of the Community of Practice which now has 180 members - and is still growing! From the development of the northern cluster clinical trial support unit to local partnerships, the Clinical Trials Community of Practice is paving the way for more trials across our region. When not immersed in clinical trials, Cath is hooked on yoga!
Find out more in our interview 👉 https://tinyurl.com/4e4p5krz

Exercise Physiologist Emily Cox has been awarded a grant to support her research on Type 2 Diabetes and Long-COVID. Supported by NSW Regional Health Partners, Emily aims to enhance exercise uptake and adherence for individuals with T2D and Long-COVID symptoms. By involving consumers in her study, she's ensuring real-world relevance and effectiveness. If you happen to spot Emily jogging along the Nobby’s breakwall or strolling at Bar Beach, be sure to give her a cheer! 🏃‍♀️🌊 Click here for the full story https://tinyurl.com/43zdrak7

🎉We’re thrilled to welcome Vivienne Scott as the new Chair of our Consumer Advisory Committee!

An experienced consumer representative, Vivienne is looking forward to her new role and increasing community involvement in health research, policies and programs.

Joining Vivienne is Ivy Scurr, our new Deputy Chair. Together, they’ll be working to strengthen health research in our region.

Read the full story here 👇
https://tinyurl.com/27bbbzwj

Meet Nicole Manvell, Lead of the Musculoskeletal Research In Practice Network 👋

In this interview, Nicole tells us what sparked the network’s creation – local clinicians wanting to increase the evidence base in musculoskeletal care - and the perfect storm that led to her role as Chair.

She also shares some network success stories and the exciting opportunities that the Musculoskeletal Research In Practice Network has in store for 2024! 🎉

Read the interview here 👉 http://tinyurl.com/4h7pksn5

We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2023 Consumer and Community Involvement (CCI) in Research Grants! This program empowers dedicated researchers to advance their work through meaningful consumer and community engagement.

Congratulations to the successful recipients! 🎉 We look forward to profiling some of these remarkable grant recipients and delving deeper into their innovative research. Stay tuned for updates on how these grants will play a role in advancing health research in our region.

Follow the link for a full list of the awardees 👉http://tinyurl.com/2ycfrv5v

Exciting news! 🌟 AHRA has been commissioned by National Health and Medical Research Council - NHMRC to lead a consultation revising consumer and community involvement in health research. Under the initiative, NSW Regional Health Partners will host in-person and online workshops, gathering insights to update the 2016 Statement on Consumer and Community Involvement. Join us in this collaborative effort to redefine health research together! 👥 http://tinyurl.com/3rcktzdd

Meet Brigitte Sigl, Chair of NSW Regional Health Partners’ Consumer Advisory Committee! 🌟

As a person living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), her personal connection fuels her passion for contributing to medical research.

Why is consumer involvement vital?

It’s about understanding community needs, tailoring research to meet them and ensuring genuine input for the benefit of both the community and researchers.

For those thinking about getting involved in research, Brigitte’s advice is to keep an open mind and not being afraid to ask questions. Read the full interview with Brigitte here. 👇

http://tinyurl.com/3fyprskw

🚀 NSW Regional Health Partners introduces Consumer Connect – a platform to engage with patients, carers, friends and families who want to shape the future of health services. Your experiences matter. By sharing your experiences, you can contribute to health projects, research, and services, and help improve outcomes for everyone.

How does it work?

Fill out the application form, and we will contact you to discuss your application. By collecting details about your health experiences and demographics we can connect you with relevant opportunities in health and medical research and practice, ensuring your voice is heard where it matters most.

Ready to be part of something transformative? Follow the link below and register on Consumer Connect today! 👇

tinyurl.com/joinconsumerconnect

It is with pride that we present to you our NSWRHP 2023: Year in Review. This document showcases and celebrates the successes we have achieved this year together.

🎉 The past year has been full of activity, from launching our new strategic plan, to developing and delivering new training, resources and supports to build research literacy, awareness, understanding and skills of our health and medical workforce. We have helped support new collaborations, new projects and new networks, and participated in state and national initiatives to translate research into health and health system improvements.

We look forward to another year, as NSWRHP continues to evolve further to maximise impact.

👉 https://tinyurl.com/2023yearinreview

Join us next week at the Research Roadshow! Explore research methodologies, health economics, indigenous research and more!

Presented by NSW Regional Health Partners.

Tuesday 24th October
Wyong Hospital, 664 Pacific Highway Hamlyn Terrace, NSW 2259

Wednesday 25th - Thursday 26th October 2023
Central Coast Research Institute 77a Holden Street, Gosford, NSW 2250

Don’t forget to register! Follow the link for details.

https://nswregionalhealthpartners.org.au/events/

Celebrating our regional researchers! Meet the brilliant minds behind ground breaking cancer research at the NSW Cancer Research Conference 2023. From innovative patient care solutions to pioneering treatment approaches, these researchers are making a difference. Join us in congratulating them!

NSW Regional Cancer Research Network

What an inspiring day at the hearing from amazing researchers and NSW Regional Cancer Research Network members from our regional communities who presented outcomes on their cancer projects. Well done to Kirsty Baxter, Christine Paul, Alexandra Smith, Rebecca Wyse, Joshua Bennetts, Michelle Brown and Bayley Matthews. It was such a pleasure learning about the innovative work you’re doing!

Insightful presentations by NSW Regional Cancer Research Network lead, Professor Nikola Bowden, and Senior Research Partner, Alexandra Smith. Nikola shared breakthroughs in repurposing drugs to combat immunotherapy resistance. Patients once without options, now find hope in continued care through successful clinical trials.
Meanwhile, Alexandra Smith shed light on the connection between physical comorbidities and cancer treatment outcomes for older patients in rural Australia. Let’s keep the momentum going for impactful cancer research!

We’re here at the in Sydney along with NSW Regional Cancer Research Network, Maridulu Budyari Gumal – SPHERE and Sydney Cancer Partners. This conference is a great way to showcase the amazing research from regional and rural NSW with our colleagues from across the state. Great to see the focus on equity and the need for better consumer engagement in cancer research. Stay tuned for some highlights of this impactful program over the next couple of days!



https://nsw-scc-2023.p.asnevents.com.au/

Our Research Roadshow made its way through Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie last week. Thank you to all those who attended this event aimed at empowering those interested in research. It was a great way to foster collaboration, ask questions and share experiences. Stay tuned for our information on upcoming dates. 📢

https://nswregionalhealthpartners.org.au/2023/09/14/research-roadshow-a-success-in-coffs-harbour-and-port-macquarie/

🌊 View from the office! ☀️ Getting together for a team lunch and some sunshine was a great way to celebrate . Creating a culture in the workplace where we feel confident to speak up and ask for help or support is so important. Let’s continue to stay connected and have those important conversations by asking, R U OK? A simple conversation can change a life.

This week is Wound Awareness Week and we’re pleased to announce the launch of the fourth edition of the Australian Standards for Wounds Prevention and Management. This edition has been produced through a unique collaboration with Wounds Australia and the Western Australian Health Translation Network as part of the Australian Health Research Alliance (AHRA) National Wounds Initiative.

As a member of AHRA, NSW Regional Health Partners is proud to see the outcomes of this national body of work become available. “This edition stands as a testament to the dedication and collective efforts of numerous individuals in our national healthcare community who contributed to this important project,” said Associate Professor Nicolette Hodyl, Director of NSW Regional Health Partners.

Access the latest edition here.

https://nswregionalhealthpartners.org.au/2023/09/06/new-edition-of-australian-standards-for-wounds-prevention-and-management-released/

Important article for supporting health research for regional, rural and remote Australian. Our Chief Operating Officer, Dr Lisa McFayden, has co-authored an article in The Medical Journal of Australia about creating a sustainable health research environment in rural and remote Australia. Dr McFayden sheds light on the importance of fostering strong partnerships between health services, government bodies, and research institutions in rural areas, and the need for meaningful community involvement. Read the full article in link below.

https://nswregionalhealthpartners.org.au/2023/09/04/creating-a-sustainable-and-supportive-health-research-environment-across-rural-and-remote-australia-a-call-to-action/

# RuralHealth # CommunityEngagement

Join us for a dynamic workshop on “Consumer Involvement in Health and Medical Research.”
Discover the who, what, when, and how of involving consumers in your research projects! 🔍

📅When: Tuesday, 12 September 2023
⏰Time: 10am – 12pm
📍 Where: Central Coast Research Institute (CCRI) Gosford Central Coast Health

This hands-on workshop will be co-facilitated by Jessie Sutherland, our Consumer Engagement Officer, and Brigitte Sigl, Chair of our Consumer Advisory Committee.

This free training is available to all health and medical researchers across various fields.

Secure your spot now!

https://nswregionalhealthpartners.org.au/event/gosford-workshop-the-basics-of-consumer-involvement-in-health-and-medical-research-who-what-when-and-how/

🎉Excited to introduce the recipients from Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), The University of Newcastle, Australia Central Coast Health, Calvary Mater Newcastle and HNE Health for the NSW Cancer Research Network’s 2023 Clinician Research Fellowships and cancer research projects. These initiatives are set to improve cancer care and research across north-eastern NSW. Congratulations to all awardees! ⭐️

https://nswregionalhealthpartners.org.au/2023/08/24/supporting-cancer-research-to-transform-nsw-regional-cancer-care/

Join us as we mark National Pain Week 2023. Together with Chronic Pain Australia, NSW Regional Health Partners is researching effective solutions to improve the lives of those experiencing chronic pain. Follow our work, including patient journey mapping and Chronic Pain Australia’s support events.

https://nswregionalhealthpartners.org.au/2023/07/28/national-pain-week-2023-breaking-chronic-pain-stigma/