Research Activities Launched at Fiona Stanley Hospital

By Petrina Smith
Thursday, 14 August, 2014

With less than two months until the first patients enter Fiona Stanley Hospital in Western Australia, a major milestone has been realised with the launch of research activities.

Health Minister Kim Hames launched the Warren Jones Institute for Community Health and Medical Research, established as a joint endeavour withthe $2 billion Fiona Stanley Hospital to raise funds and provide financial support for medical research, scholarships and research education.

Dr Hames said the institute would also undertake research of its own and contribute to further education and professional development for clinicians and researchers.

“The Warren Jones Institute will play a crucial role in Fiona Stanley Hospital research, raising funds to support clinical research at the hospital that will directly benefit the local community,” he said.

“In addition, the institute will also provide a significant benefit to the wider Western Australian population, through its epidemiological research into health and disease in the community, which will be used to inform public health initiatives for current and future generations.”

The institute has been named in honour of Warren Leslie Jones AM, a West Australian who made an outstanding contribution to health and business over three decades.

“Warren was honorary chairman of the board of Fremantle Hospital and Health Service and was also the motivating force behind the establishment of the Fremantle Hospital Medical Research Foundation in 1996,” Dr Hames said.

“This was in addition to his many community contributions, and of course he is probably best known as the driving force behind Australia II’s historic win in the 1983 America’s Cup.”

The first two PhD scholarships to be supported by the WJI were in youth mental health and perinatal mental health. As an independent registered health promotion charity, the WJI will provide an avenue for individuals and the private sector to donate to Fiona Stanley Hospital research activities via a charitable body that is independent of government.

The Fiona Stanley Hospital will be opened progressively in a four-phased sequence, commencing with the State rehabilitation service on October 4, 2014