First Nations Health Research

Aim

A new dedicated role at Western Health will drive Indigenous-led research to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. Through targeted and meaningful research, the new Research Fellow supports the health service’s commitment to making health equitable for all by ‘closing the gap’ in health outcomes and life expectancy between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians.

A Research Fellow in Aboriginal Health was appointed in March 2022, as part of the Western Health Partnership between the health service and Deakin University. Western Health has an important role to play in improving the health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who currently have a 10-year-lower life expectancy and 2.3 times the burden of disease compared to non-Indigenous Australians. This role will use their research capabilities and strengths in relationship building to support the health service to provide care that is culturally sensitive, safe and welcoming to our First Nation peoples.

Part of their role will involve contributing to the Western Health Partnership research programs, publishing in high quality research journals and developing relationships with research, community, industry and government to enhance research outcomes.