Channel 9 newsreader Eva Milic praised Griffith’s contribution to the field of healthcare practice, at the 10 year celebration and launch of the new name for the Centre for Health Practice Innovation.

Formerly known as the Research Centre for Clinical and Community Practice Innovation (RCCCPI), the name has been changed to better reflect the research conducted at the centre. This research aims to find solutions to critical healthcare challenges and undertake cutting-edge research that results in better health and community care and improved quality of life.

“It takes top quality research to become internationally renowned and the results that are being delivered from the Centre for Health Practice Innovation are certainly making a great impact on local communities and far beyond,” said Ms Milic speaking at the launch at Griffith’s Nathan campus yesterday.

Making mention of her current pregnancy with her second child, she highlighted key areas of research within HPI which includes maternity and family, acute and critical care; ageing and older people and nutrition.

“The Maternity and Family Unit’s work is about supporting the maternity service reform agenda in Australia and Queensland and ensuring the system delivers quality maternity care.

“The maternity related research completed by this unit is highly regarded both nationally and internationally. This group of amazing researchers continues to undertake practical research outcomes that will assist in healthy babies being born to healthy parents.”

The ageing population

Ms Milic also highlighted our ageing population and the more than 300,000 Australians who are currently living with dementia.

“The development of the Ageing and Older People Unit of HPI is designed to revolutionise aged care services and improve health care outcomes for older people and their carers.

“As we all get older the reality is that at some stage we may be faced with the responsibility of caring for elderly family members. Therefore the research outcomes in this area greatly affect us all.”

“The strong new depth and focus of research which we are continuing to see within HPI offered us the opportunity to reconsider the centre’s name,” said HPI director Professor Wendy Moyle. “We are distinguished from our competitors through our focus on innovation in practice, evidence for practice and the use of rigorous research designs. These areas of strength are all positioned to take advantage of the national health priority areas.

“The advantage of the name change is not only that it is states more clearly what we do, but it is also easier to say.”