National recognition for our researchers

In an announcement made by the Minister for Health, the Hon Sussan Ley MP and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the Monash Partners Academic Health Science Centre was recognised as an international leader in linking clinical practice, research translation and education.

An innovative collaboration established in 2013, Monash Partners’ members include Monash University, Monash Health, Alfred Health, Cabrini Health, Epworth Healthcare, Baker IDI, Burnet Institute and the Hudson Institute.

“This recognition will significantly enhance our capabilities as a collaborative clinical and research leader and innovator,” said Monash Partners’ Chair and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash University, Professor Christina Mitchell.

“It reinforces our commitment to deliver consistent, high-quality health care across our community, supported by cutting-edge research and enabling the education of a world-class clinical workforce.”

Created to deliver improved health outcomes to benefit the 2.8 million people living in Melbourne’s south and south east, Monash Partners will build on similar models of highly successful Academic Health Science Centres (AHSC) developed in Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States.

“Monash Partners will link services across the member organisations so new and different service models can be developed for the people of southern and eastern Melbourne,” said Monash Health Chief Executive Ms Shelly Park.

Alfred Health Chief Executive, A/Prof Andrew Way said the NHMRC announcement builds on the Victorian Government’s 2013 endorsement of Monash Partners.

“NHMRC recognition acknowledges the hard work undertaken by our member organisations over several years, and strengthens our commitment to continued collaboration and innovation in improving health outcomes for our community,” A/Prof Way said.

By working across the traditional boundaries of education, health and scientific research, these centres have enabled the discovery of many innovative health improvements as well as providing care in new ways, through new knowledge exchange, technologies and protocols.

“International experience shows that AHSCs have successfully built collaborations, sped up the translation of research findings into clinical practice and removed unnecessary barriers which have often limited the ability of researchers and clinicians to work across multiple sites,” added Ms Park.

As a growing collaboration, Monash Partners plans to engage with other health services and primary health networks to maximise the quality of care delivered not only to Victorians but to all Australians.

“The stronger the partnership between our member organisations, the more efficient and effective we will become at tackling clinical problems and creating solutions that lead to better patient outcomes,” A/Prof Way said.