Greater Shepparton residents have a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of medical research.
Goulburn Valley Health is looking for people to join its Research Management and Governance Committee and contribute to the value, development, conduct, and communication of research.
Successful applicants will engage with members of the Research Management and Governance Committee, providing the community's voice and feedback on research projects involving patients at GV Health.
Currently, GV Health conducts research in many different areas, with oncology and anaesthetics being two particular areas where clinical trials are happening.
The committee is essential for research at GV Health, as they oversee and assess information about trials and projects in line with the GV Health Strategic Plan, National Clinical Trial Framework and legal compliance.
GV Health Director of Research Associate Professor Md Rafiqul Islam said the objective of the trials is to generate evidence and identify the best way of practice to treat patients.
“We are very much patient-centred, and we want to ensure that our patients are receiving the best practice,” he said.
“That is why research is an integral part of the whole process.
“This is a great opportunity for people to know that we are bringing world-class treatment to their doorstep,” Dr Islam said.
Anaesthetic Research Coordinator Natasha Pearson currently runs five international trials through the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists.
She said their ideal committee members would be people who have an interest in research and have experience with the health system.
“Having someone who has an interest in research and understanding of the health system will help them to have the voice of the community at heart,” she said.
“By having an interest in research, they’ll be able to help ensure we are undertaking assessments of trials and projects submitted in line with the strategic plan and clinical trial framework.”
Being part of the committee, Ms Pearson hopes to embed clinical trials as a “core part of business” and collaborate with community members involved to widen the understanding of clinical trials at GV Health.
“I think allowing a community member to have a voice in any aspect of health is important because then we can be more aware and mindful about the impact it’s having for them,” she said.
Clinical Trial Coordinator Carole Mott runs oncology and haematology trials.
She said it’s been very exciting being involved in one, which has increased survival rates for prostate cancer patients who have cancer that has also spread to other parts of the body.
“There's a drug that we've been trialling over the last nearly eight years, and that's now on the market as one of the drugs that these prostate cancer patients use (to prolong their life),” she said.
Ms Mott said clinical trials can offer patients another treatment option, especially when there are “no other options” for them.
She hopes people join the committee because “it’s really important to get that consumer perspective”.
If you’re interested in joining the committee or want to find out more information, contact A/Prof Rafiqul Islam at research.ethics@gvhealth.org.au or on 5831 0035.