New $11 million research facility to boost medical innovation

Health Minister Stephen Robertson today opened a new one-stop $11 million medical engineering research facility, unique in Australia for combining surgical skills training with biological and biomechanical research.

The facility at the Prince Charles Hospital, jointly funded between the Smart State Facilities Fund, QUT and industry partners Medtronic and Stryker is a satellite of the Queensland University of Technology’s Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation.

Health Minister Stephen Robertson said the new facility was testament to the Queensland Government’s 2020 vision Towards Q2.

“We have set ourselves the goal of becoming Australia’s strongest state through research, development and innovation,” Mr Robertson said.

“This new facility reflects that commitment.”

Mr Robertson said the facility was designed to meet emerging clinical needs in orthopaedic artificial organs research and surgical skills training.

“This is the first purpose-built facility to support the full cycle of research, validation, commercialisation, and training activities necessary to ensure widespread adoption of new medical devices and techniques in Queensland”, Mr Robertson said.

“This collaboration between QUT and The Prince Charles Hospital has produced a one-stop site which provides a comprehensive suite of research and training facilities.

“Research will focus on solving clinical problems identified by clinicians in their practice, and discovering and developing new techniques, materials, products and manufacturing methods for medical devices.

“It will also focus on training of clinicians and other health professionals in new products and techniques.”

Mr Robertson said targeted research areas would include bone replacement and cartilage replacement systems, bone and spinal surgical procedures, innovative concepts for artificial limbs and cardiac devices.

Clinical conditions that would benefit from this research would include hip knee and spinal conditions, cancer requiring bone tumour resection, heart transplants and other impaired organs.

Mr Robertson said the facility was a testament to the dedication and singleness of purpose displayed by everyone involved in the establishment of the facility.

“Towards Q2 places a great deal of emphasis on creating a culture that champions innovation and collaboration between research institutions and industry, and among firms that can learn from each other,” Mr Robertson said.

“This project demonstrates what Queenslanders can achieve when they combine their talents and resources.

ENDS

Media: Kate Van Poelgeest on 3234 1185 or 0458 449 267