Medical research funding to create healthier future for the Common Good

Chronic conditions currently affecting around 11 million Australians today received the largest ever funding grant to come from The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH) Foundation.

Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles said $5.1 million would fund 115,909 hours of medical research into vital hospital projects by Queensland’s brightest medical minds.

“This record breaking funding distribution is the result of over 170,000 generous donations to the foundation’s medical research campaign,” Mr Miles said.

“It is inspiring to see everyday Queenslanders supporting the work of our world class medical researchers here at TPCH who are taking on some of our nation’s most critical health care issues.

Member for Stafford Dr Anthony Lynham welcomed the significant investment.

“The Common Good initiative will allows researchers to target chronic diseases that will affect 90 per cent of all Queenslanders including lung disease, heart disease, dementia, arthritis, liver disease, coeliac disease and bowel cancer,” Dr Lynham said.

“The work of our researchers and funding of this research is crucial in making a positive difference to the future health of Queenslanders.”

TPCH Foundation Chief Executive Officer Michael Hornby said that The Common Good initiative had struck a chord with many people in the community.

“People in our community are supporting the time of these brilliant researchers at a cost of just $44 per hour,” Mr Hornby said.

“Some people support just 15 minutes, others a day or more, and when it all comes together we have achieved this remarkable result.”

TPCH Foundation promotes sustainable research funding by supporting major projects for three years.

“It is estimated that up to 75 per cent of research projects in Australia never get completed because of a lack of sustainable grant funding models,” Mr Hornby said.

“It can also be difficult for young researchers to get their foot in the door, which is why The Common Good has announced a total of $200,000 in funding to help launch the careers of 21 new researchers, with the aim of creating a life-long legacy of innovative research.”

ENDS

Background:

TPCH Foundation’s Common Good initiative is investing $5.1 million into vital hospital research projects across the following areas:

• $1.26 million into heart research
• $1.39 million into lung and respiratory research
• $1.36 million into life support research
• $567,000 into joint disease, and
• $603,000 into other chronic conditions such as liver disease, diabetes, coeliac disease, mental health and emergency medicine research

Media contact:               Katharine Wright – 0428 957 903