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Queensland mental health research has received a boost with Ipswich Hospital Foundation (IHF) and The University of Queensland (UQ) announcing PhD scholarships to create new knowledge about mental disorders.

The scholarships are intended to support PhD students conducting research with mental health experts at the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, a statewide Queensland Health research organisation based in West Moreton Health.

Ipswich Hospital Foundation CEO, Mr Scott Young, said he was excited to announce the new scholarship endowment fund, which had grown out of a long and established partnership with the Association of Relatives and Friends of the Mentally Ill (ARAFMI).

“In the early 2000s, the Sunshine Coast chapter of ARAFMI entrusted IHF with their hard-earned fundraising dollars to form a scholarship fund, a portion of which was awarded every few years to a PhD student supervised by researchers employed at the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research and enrolled at UQ,” Mr Young said.
“Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research has partnered with UQ for nearly thirty years in the conduct of its mental health research programs, so we are excited that the University has matched funding contributed by ARAFMI and IHF dollar-for-dollar to create an endowment scholarship.

“This arrangement will see core funding invested and proceeds used to support scholarships for PhD students supervised at the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research for generations to come.”

Executive Dean of UQ’s Faculty of Medicine, Professor Geoff McColl, said the University was proud to help fund PhD scholarships dedicated to mental health.
“PhD scholarships have kickstarted the careers of some of Queensland’s brightest mental health researchers, who have dedicated their research to helping people with severe mental health conditions such as schizophrenia,” Professor McColl said.

“Since 2006, the ARAFMI scholarships have funded 3 PhD students whose projects have made critical discoveries to help understand the origins of mental health conditions, and develop targets for their prevention and treatment.

“We’re pleased to be backing important research at the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research and hope these scholarships will underpin vital new treatments, better services, and improved outcomes for people with mental disorders in the future.”

There is more information on the UQ Scholarships webpage.

Image: The University of Queensland PhD candidate Zilong Du
Image credit: The University of Queensland

West Moreton Health staff are shaping the future of cancer care in the region through Ipswich Hospital Foundation’s (IHF) Regina and Vicki Doig Research Scholarship funding.

Three projects have been funded which will explore care options for residents with blood disorders, develop strategies to improve cervical cancer screening, and access to chemotherapy for rural consumers.

Each year, almost 1,500 local residents are diagnosed with cancer and a further 500 die from the disease.

Funding through the Regina and Vicki Doig Research Scholarship for Cancer Care has been provided in partnership with local supporter Vicki Doig, West Moreton Health, and Ipswich Hospital Foundation.

Ipswich Hospital Foundation Chief Executive Officer Scott Young thanked all of the researchers who applied for the scholarship, as well as the selection panel for their time and expertise in reviewing the applications.

“Crucially, we would like to thank Vicki Doig for her research support,” Mr Young said.

The scholarship was named in honour of Vicki’s sister Regina, who tragically died of lymphoma in 1987 aged 39.

Vicki set up the fund in her sister’s memory to advocate for evidence-based advancements in cancer care in West Moreton.

Ms Doig said research had rapidly improved cancer treatment in the decades since Regina died, and she looked forward to seeing the outcomes of the research ahead.

West Moreton Health Chief Executive Officer Hannah Bloch said the scholarship was an example of the work being done at a local level to improve the health and wellbeing of the community.

“We have a strong research and innovation agenda at West Moreton Health and this research will highlight how we can improve our cancer services,” she said.

“The three successful applicants will work with our Research and Innovation team to develop their projects and provide the evidence needed to improve the quality, safety, and accessibility of cancer care in our region.”

Research projects

• Oncology Nurse Unit Manager Cherry Spross is investigating the needs of rural patients who use the Ipswich Hospital oncology service to consider providing chemotherapy or supportive care services closer to home at Boonah, Esk, Laidley, and Gatton hospitals.
• Acting Cancer Care Co-ordinator Mark Rothery is investigating whether some lower risk haematology services could be provided at Ipswich Hospital. This would reduce the need for travel outside the region for patients who currently travel to tertiary hospitals, including Princess Alexandra Hospital, for care.
• A team of Obstetrics and Gynaecology trainees led by Senior Staff Specialist Dr Lilantha Wedisinghe will conduct a cervical cancer screening survey in the West Moreton region to develop strategies that will improve participation in cervical screening.

Find out more about the Regina and Vicki Doig Research Scholarship for Cancer Care, or to donate to Ipswich Hospital Foundation visit: https://www.ihfoundation.org.au/reginadoigfund/

The Ipswich Hospital Foundation (IHF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Claire Hughes to the newly created position of Director of Fundraising and Marketing. 

Ms Hughes has more than 11 years’ extensive experience and skill development within fundraising and marketing across the for-purpose sector. An industry leader, Claire has worked at various levels within fast paced, complex, national charities in both the UK and Australia.  

In her most recent roles at MS Queensland, Claire has led both the fundraising events and community and the individual giving and philanthropy programs. Prior to this, Claire established a successful community and events fundraising program and team at Legacy Brisbane.  

IHF CEO Scott Young acknowledged that’s Claire’s appointment was a result of the recent change in strategic direction to increase fundraising to support West Moreton Health (WMH) in improving health care and medical research and innovation in the region.  

“IHF has a clear focus to raise vital funds and create more of an impact to WMH, and the community that require their services. Funds raised will support medical equipment, facilities, and other clinical services.  

“In addition to this, there are many opportunities to support and direct funds to the newly created WMH research and innovation department through research scholarships,” said Scott. 

“Claire brings a high level of skills and experience, having worked at organisations including Mater Foundation, Oxfam Australia, and Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.  

“She is a committed and passionate fundraiser and contributes to the sector through several volunteer roles, including Deputy Chair of Fundraising Institute Australia’s (FIA) Queensland Committee, as well as playing a pivotal role serving on the FIA Conference Committee,” he added. 

Awarded FIA Queensland’s Young Fundraiser of the Year in 2019, Claire is an advocate for the fundraising profession, fostering emerging leaders in the sector as a FIA tutor and mentor. In addition, Claire was a Board Member for Inala Youth Service, supporting young people and the community there to thrive. 

“I am excited to be joining IHF at an pivotal time of growth and opportunity. I look forward to further establishing the fundraising program, raising awareness for the cause, and creating vital new relationships in the community. Together with the team and community, we can make a real difference to the lives of people in the area requiring hospital services,” Claire said.

Claire Hughes. Director of Fundraising and Marketing.