Research into end of life and palliative care practices will be supported by two National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) grants announced today by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Brett Mason.
“The Australian Government is committed to health and medical research, and to improving palliative care,” Senator Mason said at Flinders University.
“In fact the Australian Government has allocated almost $300 million over seven years to support palliative-care initiatives.”
Professor David Currow from Flinders University has received $213,800 to study the effects of breathlessness during the end stages of life. He will also investigate which medications are best to overcome this physical distress for patients to make their end of life more comfortable.
Mrs Penelope Roe, also from Flinders University received a training award scholarship for $77,390. Mrs Roe will investigate end of life care options in the community (at home) for people with dementia. She plans to develop a new model of care for people with dementia to allow them to stay at home and be cared for by family carers, with appropriate support available.
These SA grants are part of 10 research grants and 12 researcher support awards across Australia. In total, more than $3.5 million will go towards improving the quality of palliative care. The important work carried out by researchers would assist in policy development, improve clinical practice and develop researcher capacity and expertise.
Media contacts: |
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| NHMRC | ||
| Cherie McLean | 02 6217 9346 | 0409 226 057 |
| Senator Mason’s office | ||
| Carolyn Martin | 02 6277 3756 | 0415 740 722 |