‘Delivering optimum care’: WSLHD launches new Centre for Chronic and Complex Care Research at Blacktown Hospital

Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) will work to improve the lives of people living with chronic and complex health conditions under a new research partnership announced with the University of Wollongong (UOW).

As two powerhouses in research, this partnership between WSHLD and UOW will facilitate collaboration on key areas of research and practice to provide insights into and identify ways to improve patient outcomes, particularly for those with chronic heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, dementia, and frailty.

The Academic Director of the Centre will be Professor Caleb Ferguson, the Professor of Nursing (Chronic and Complex Care) at WSLHD and Associate Head of the School of Nursing at UOW. He will be working alongside the esteemed Dr Julee McDonagh (Senior Research Fellow), Dr Sabine Allida (Research Fellow), Reejamol John (Honorary Fellow & Nurse Specialist) and Scott William (Project Officer).

Professor Mark McLean, WSLHD Director of Research, expressed great enthusiasm for the new collaboration with UOW.  He said: “Development of a skilled academic workforce in nursing is an important goal for WSLHD.  This partnership with UOW will enhance our ability to deliver optimum care to patients and to use precious healthcare resources in the best possible way.”

Professor Ferguson said he was delighted to be partnering with UOW, to provide collaborative research that will translate to improved outcomes for the people of western Sydney, and beyond.

“Chronic and complex health conditions are increasing as our population ages, as the needs of these patients can be challenging and multifaceted. Managing these health conditions requires a range of multi-disciplinary care and nursing is well-placed to coordinate new models of care to ensure our patients are receiving the support and care that they need,” Professor Ferguson said.

“This new partnership provides WSLHD and UOW with an exciting opportunity to enhance nursing leadership in the development and delivery of research into chronic and complex care. Our sustainable programs of research are aligned to the strategic and operational needs of both organisations and promote innovation in nursing research across the partnership.”

The partnership will provide an opportunity for clinicians and researchers to work together to undertake and support research that has a measurable impact on patient outcomes and models of care.

WSLHD and UOW will work together to enable research across the two organisations, including opportunities for clinicians, honours students, and postgraduate research students to engage in this important area of research.