Tasmanian medical research charity funds projects that have a global impact and improve community health and well-being.
- Tasmanian medical research charity funds projects that support community health and well-being, with clinicians and researchers working across the health system and university.
- Tasmanian medical research on childhood cataracts and gene variants can be easily studied and applied globally due to the small population and genetic diversity of the island state.
- The Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation funds medical research in various fields to support the Tasmanian community, in areas such as cardiothoracic, neurological conditions, and premature babies.
- Research supported by RHHRF has led to the development of innovative treatments for JackJumper ant bites, resulting in the establishment of a desensitisation clinic at the hospital and a significant reduction in deaths from anaphylactic shocks caused by these bites.
- Tasmanian medical research has had a global impact, with projects like the Hobart Method being implemented in neonatal clinics worldwide, and blood pressure testing research involving patients from Tasmania, China, Italy, and other countries.
Australian Health Journal spoke to Stephanie Furler the Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation about the impact of this research locally and in global health.
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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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Improved treatment in advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma
A global clinical trial successfully reduced toxicity and side effects in advanced stage Hodgkin lymphoma patients by using a modified treatment regimen.
Australian Health Journal spoke with Professor Mark Hertzberg in his role in the ALLG HD10 Clinical Trial and as a former Chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Australasian Leukaemia & Lymphoma Group (ALLG), an organisation involved in improving the treatments and lives of blood cancer patients.
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World-first clinical trial improves patient outcomes for kidney transplants
A world-first clinical trial conducted at the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) and at hospitals across Australia and New Zealand has identified the best fluid treatment to reduce the risk of patients requiring dialysis after a kidney transplant.
Australian Health Journal spoke with the lead-author of the study, RAH Nephrologist and University of Adelaide researcher, Dr Michael Collins.
