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Wednesday, July 28, 1999.
PROFESSOR WILL GIVE MAJOR BOOST TO PHYSIO RESEARCH - KNOWLES
Victoria will provide leadership in clinical research and training by establishing Australia’s first Chair of Clinical Physiotherapy, the Health & Aged Care Minister, Rob Knowles announced today.
Mr Knowles said the Victorian Government would provide $800,000 over five years to establish the Chair - in the University of Melbourne - at the Austin & Repatriation Medical Centre and to fund research support.
“The Austin & Repatriation Medical Centre is one of Victoria’s great teaching hospitals, and Australia’s first Chair of Clinical Physiotherapy will continue its tradition of excellence,” Mr Knowles said.
“The Austin has a long history of collaborative research in this area with Melbourne University, and the Government is determined to ensure that such direct links continue.
“Around 40 per cent of the University’s physiotherapy undergraduates undergo their hospital-based training at the Austin, as well as a significant number of Masters and Doctoral research students.
“The creation of the Chair is a joint proposal from the Austin and Melbourne University’s School of Physiotherapy, and will ensure that the Austin & Repatriation Medical Centre retains its place as an Australian leader in this field.”
Mr Knowles said the redevelopment of the Austin & Repatriation Medical Centre with non-government capital would provide excellent research and training facilities for the physiotherapy Chair.
“A key commitment in the redevelopment project has always been to ensure that the A&RMC maintains its position as one of our leading teaching, training and research hospitals,” Mr Knowles said.
“At the same time, the redevelopment will produce a state-of-the-art hospital with the best facilities and the capability to provide continuity of care for all patients.”
Physiotherapy students undergo training at the Austin, Repatriation and Royal Talbot campuses of the A&RMC.
“The Hospital’s Physiotherapy Department works with hospital patients, outpatients and other clients through the Hospital in the Home and Post Acute Care programs, and have a key role in working with rehabilitation and spinal care patients,” Mr Knowles said.
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“They provide services 12 hours per day, seven days per week.
“The Chair will ensure that the Austin & Repat retains its position as one of the key physiotherapy centres in Australia, and continues to lead in the field of high quality allied health research.
“The Victorian Government is committed to advances in allied health, and the creation of the Chair of Physiotherapy is a key to achieving this.”
NOTE:Time & venue for the announcement: 12.30pm today (Wednesday), Training Rooms, Collingwood Football Club, Lulie St. Abbotsford.
Media inquiries:
Graeme Walker, Human Services Department Media Unit 9616 7296.
Serena Williams, Press Secretary 9651 5799; 0419 897 858.
Internet:
(F:press99/ PhysioChair /gw/10.6.99)