Two Redcliffe Hospital research programs have been recognised at the Metro North Research Excellence Awards, highlighting the impact of research and the important role of consumers in shaping better healthcare.
The Redcliffe Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Research Program was named winner of the Clinical Research Award, while the Supporting Fathers/Partners Project received the Partnering with Consumers Award.
Both programs have benefited from support through Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital, an initiative of RBWH Foundation in partnership with Redcliffe Hospital, which raises funds to support healthcare, research and innovation for the Moreton Bay community.
The awards recognise the exceptional contribution of the teams to research, innovation and improved patient care.
Redcliffe Hospital Director of Research and Medical Services, Dr Joel Dulhunty, said the awards were wonderful recognition of the work being undertaken.
“It was a great evening and well-deserved recognition of the translational research and leadership by these two teams.”
Research translating into better care
The Redcliffe ICU Clinical Research Program is a multidisciplinary, district hospital-based program focused on critical care infection, ICU survivorship and patient-centred outcomes.
During 2024-25, the program contributed to more than 30 peer-reviewed publications, secured multiple competitive grants and delivered innovations that have been implemented into clinical practice.
These include a nutrition pathway, bowel protocol and Australia’s first post-ICU follow-up clinic.
The program also contributes internationally and is helping drive critical care research across Queensland through leadership of the Queensland Critical Care Research Network.
Funding raised through Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital supported the Senior Nursing Researcher position, helping to build research capability at Redcliffe Hospital and support research that can be translated into improved patient care.
Consumers shaping better healthcare
The Supporting Fathers/Partners Project was recognised with the Partnering with Consumers Award for its innovative, consumer-led approach to transforming perinatal mental health care.
With three consumer co-investigators, the project has placed the experiences of fathers and partners at the centre of research, policy and practice.
Diverse consumers have been involved at every stage, from project design and data collection through to the national validation of Best Practice Principles for culturally responsive, trauma-informed care.
Supported by $100,000 in funding from Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital, the project is creating lasting health, social and knowledge impacts by embedding lived experience into policy, clinical guidance and digital health interventions for families following traumatic pregnancy and birth experiences.
Together, the two award-winning programs demonstrate the breadth of research taking place at Redcliffe Hospital, from clinical research that is directly changing practice to consumer-led research helping shape the future of healthcare.
Research is an important part of delivering better healthcare for the Moreton Bay community, helping clinicians find new ways to improve treatment, care and patient outcomes.
Through Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital, the community can help support research and innovation at their local hospital, ensuring local researchers have the resources and opportunities to turn ideas into better care for patients and families.
The success of these two programs is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when clinical expertise, consumer experience and community support come together.
The awards come as Redcliffe Hospital prepares to host its Research Symposium on 14 September, showcasing the breadth of research and innovation underway across the hospital and the people behind it.
