Queensland University of Technology today launched a new $10.7 million research and training facility at The Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane that aims to lead Australia in orthopaedic, critical care and artificial organs research.
The Medical Engineering and Research Facility was officially opened by State Health Minister, The Hon Stephen Robertson.
The first of its kind in Queensland, the facility will allow QUT biomedical researchers to work alongside medical specialists to develop new ways of healing and faster recovery times for a range of critical conditions.
Researchers will use this facility to tackle innovative solutions relating to joint replacements and fracture healing, as well as heart failure, back pain, spinal deformity and cancer surgery.
The facility will allow Queensland surgeons and researchers the chance to perform surgeries and test new techniques and devices on donor bodies in a stand-alone facility.
QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Coaldrake said the facility signalled a significant step forward, not only for QUT's leading biomedical research team, but also for the future health of Australians.
"The opening of this research centre will mean that those 64,000 Australians who undergo hip and knee replacement surgery each year are one step closer to achieving better health outcomes," Professor Coaldrake said.
"It will also provide in-demand professional training programs for surgeons, general practitioners, anaesthetists, nurses and other health workers, giving vital hands-on experience."
The state-of-the-art facility offers operating theatres, cell culture laboratories, materials testing laboratories, mechanical and electrical workshops and tele-conferencing technology which can link the centre to the world.
The Medical Engineering and Research Facility has been funded by a Queensland Government Smart State Facilities grant of $5 million in addition to $4.15 million from QUT.
The Prince Charles Hospital provided land as well as equipment and staff support.
Funding and equipment was also provided by industry partners, Medtronic and Stryker, each of whom contributed $500,000 in cash and significant in-kind support in the form of equipment.
Media contact: Sharon Thompson, QUT media officer - 3138 4494 or sharon.thompson@qut.edu.au
**Hi-res pic available for media
