A message from the RBWH Foundation
On behalf of the entire RBWH Foundation community, congratulations on the 2023 Metro North Research Snapshot. There is no better showcase of the depth of talent and passion for research and innovation across Metro North, and we are looking forward to sharing your life-changing achievements with our community of givers.
The RBWH Foundation believes the greatest impact on patient outcomes is achieved by funding extraordinary opportunities in medical research and patient care innovation, developed by clinicians who work directly with patients.
Research ideas that begin with the patient
In 2022, Sunshine Coast resident Wes Raddysh lost his lower leg in a motorcycle accident. The location of Wes’s injury meant traditional hand-cast leg prosthesis caused sores and discomfort. The avid runner and cyclist could walk less than 200 metres.
A RBWH Foundation grant awarded to RBWH Orthotics and Prosthetics funded unique new technology, the first in an Australian public hospital, which uses water pressure to cast lower limb prostheses more accurately.
Director of Orthotics and Prosthetics Jessica Angus said “To give a patient, who otherwise might have used a wheelchair for mobility, the opportunity to walk is extremely rewarding.”
Wes describes his new perfectly fitting leg as a ‘eureka’ moment.
“Donations to the RBWH Foundation purchased the expensive equipment that helped make my prosthetic such a success, giving me a taste of my old life and renewing my hope for the future,” Wes said.
“I also would never have been able to take up my dream job as a ferry captain.”
The RBWH Foundation grant scheme seeks extraordinary opportunities in lifesaving research and medical innovation like this, with the potential to transform thousands of lives.
Doubling our Impact
In 2023, the RBWH Foundation was delighted to achieve a major strategic objective of doubling our grant funding across Herston Health Precinct, coinciding with a rename of our scheme to The RBWH Foundation Grants.
In the inaugural round, we attracted almost $3.2 million in diverse and impactful submissions. Our commitment to you is to grow the pool of funding available for these extraordinary opportunities so important projects and their impact do not go unfunded.
We know these ideas have the potential to transform thousands of lives. These grants incubate early career researchers with seed funding and the RBWH Foundation proudly continues that support through our own grants or seeking external granting opportunities, as projects grow in scale and significance.
Highlights of 2023
Over the past 12 months, the RBWH Foundation has funded $2.7 million in health and medical research, and patient care innovation. We have also continued our commitment to long-term projects, including:
- $5 million – Herston Biofabrication Institute
- $3 million – Herston Infectious Diseases Institute
- $1.1 million – WeCU Family Care program
- $500,000 – Prostate Cancer Precision Medicine.
The RBWH Foundation Grants announcement in 2023 included:
Development and evaluation of a saliva management pathway for patients with swallowing difficulties who attend the RBWH Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Clinic
Understanding delirium: Co-designing resources to empower consumers, carers and community
Evaluation of 3D-printed artificial eyes for orbital prostheses
A retrospective audit of occupational therapy splinting of radial forearm flap donor sites in patients with head and neck cancer
Appropriate use criteria for peripheral arterial catheters in acute and critical care
Early detection of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy: A hidden epidemic: RBWH Neurology and Stroke
Accountability
Initially established as the philanthropic partner of RBWH, the Foundation is now proud to support the Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), Redcliffe Hospital and other prestigious Herston institutes and centres.
Hand-in-hand with RBWH and STARS, the RBWH Foundation selects the most needed and transformational medical projects across these prestigious facilities.
An independent Impact Grants Advisory Panel ensures a transparent, competitive review process for all applications received. The panel of eight members includes RBWH and STARS Executives or their nominated representatives, a First Nations representative and a consumer representative.
The gift of time for research thanks to RBWH Foundation donors
The RBWH Foundation pays tribute to the loyal donors who partner with us to support your triumphs in patient outcomes. As we like to explain:
- Our donors save lives by supporting new-generation CAR-T cancer treatment
- Our donors reduce the risk of dementia in patients with Parkinson’s Disease
- Our donors have significantly improved the outcome for premature babies.
Patient care and life-saving research projects funded by our donors have led to better health, now and into the future, not only for Queensland but for Australia and the world.
Find out more about the RBWH Foundation.
