The Australian Government has appointed Emeritus Professor Ian Chubb AC, FAA FTSE to lead key reforms as Chair of the Inter-Governmental Policy Reform Group (IGPRG) for health and medical research, including clinical trials.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, The Hon Mark Butler MP commenting on the selection and appointment said, “Professor Chubb has dedicated his career to improving health and medical research and education in this county and I am pleased he has agreed to share his knowledge and experience through the IGPRG.”
All Australian health ministers agreed to establish the enduring IGPRG, which will provide policy and operational oversight of the National One Stop Shop for health and medical research.
Professor Chubb spoke with Australian Health Journal about his career as Chief Scientist for Australia, personal patient experience with a clinical trial and also the consultation done to date on clinical trial and medical research reform.
The National One Stop Shop Program will transform health and medical research in Australia, by making it easier for patients, researchers and sponsors to find, conduct and participate in clinical trials and research.
It will deliver innovative treatments and improved health outcomes, increase productivity and sustainability in the health system, create jobs and help grow Australia’s innovation economy.
Minister Butler attending the MedTech23 conference hosted by The Medical Technology Association of Australia in Sydney yesterday said,
“A One Stop Shop for cutting-edge clinical trials will ensure that Australian patients and researchers are among the first to benefit from new life-changing and life-saving medicines.
I have asked my department to work with states and territories on the next phase of analysis and platform specification as a priority.“
The IGPRG will also have a key role in implementing and regulating the National Clinical Trials Governance Framework which will ensure a nationally consistent approach to clinical trials.
He has been integral to the development of the One Stop Shop to date, having already led the national consultations on the design of the program.
Representing the medical technology industry MTAA CEO Ian Burgess supported the establishment of the IGPRG and the appointment of Chair Professor Chubb. He added, “There is an opportunity to maximise the potential of clinical trials in Australia by increasing the MedTech clinical trials beyond the 394 currently underway, through the One Stop Shop Program and work of the IGPRG.”
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Surgical Site Infection (SSI) Synopsis, including modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors
Talking to the Australian Health Journal, Professor Russo states there is a particular concern in joint operations, such as hip or knee replacements, as infections in these areas can have severe consequences, including the removal of the infected joint, prolonged treatment, and significant costs for both hospitals and patients. Despite the substantial impact of surgical site infections, Australia lacks a national surveillance program for these infections, making it challenging to obtain accurate data. However, an estimate suggests that around 45,000 surgical site infections occur annually in Australia, resulting in approximately 900 deaths.
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Founder makes mobility reality
Shawn Wigham as Managing Director of Hospital Products Australia (HPA), runs a successful business providing equipment to Australia’s health care teams in aged care, hospitals and day-hospital procedure centres.
But what most may not be aware of, is his rapid growth since starting the business in 2013 having just been in health care a few years earlier. Being part of a 2nd generation health care family, Shawn learnt from his father on site and at trade show visits overseas. Prior to HPA, he spent 2 years working in fit-outs of operating theatres, neo-natal and general population ICU, throughout being more fascinated with what he saw.
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Skilled labour, in particular skilled in the manufacture of MTP products, namely competency in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), was identified as one of the key priorities, according to Jarrod Belcher, Director of the REDI Program at MTPConnect. Through a competitive process, MTPConnect selected additional industry training providers to deliver new programs addressing key skills gaps in the sector workforce.
Launched in September 2022, one of these programs is GMP Uplift developed by the Centre for Biopharmaceutical Excellence (CBE). CBE bring experience across large and small Biologics, Pharmaceuticals and Regenerative Medicine companies, both in consulting and GMP related enterprise training. CBE staff also have extensive experience in GMP operations, compliance, auditing and QMS design, a wide industry network for guest lecturers and readily available case studies.
