In a landmark partnership, the Central Adelaide Local Health Network has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with one of the top health networks in the world, the University Health Network.
The University Health Network (UHN) is Canada's top and largest health and medical research organisation, consisting of a network of specialty hospitals and research institutes, and is ranked in the top 10 hospitals in the world.
Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) CEO, Lesley Dwyer, said the Memorandum of Understanding, announced at CALHN's first Annual Public Meeting last night, will focus on clinical, education and research opportunities.
"We want to become a leading health network both nationally and globally known for shaping the future of health with advanced research and innovative care," Ms Dwyer said.
"This partnership will provide opportunities to share, learn and collaborate in clinical areas and research, which benefits not only our staff and organisation, but importantly our patients.
"To have this level of support from the number 7 top health organisation in the world is very uplifting and it will help us in realising our future ambition."
The main areas of focus where collaboration will be explored include:
- Clinical services of mutual interest, including benchmarking and the sharing of best practice.
- The creation of clinical placements.
- Support in developing a comprehensive cancer care program.
- Use of UHN technologies to support management of patients and clinical decision making.
- Assisting CALHN to develop an institute of leadership, learning and innovation aligned to the model of the Michener Institute.
- Supporting cancer education for CALHN through a partnership with the de Souza Institute of UHN.
- Sharing programs that develop a positive culture.
- Supporting CALHN to become a leading academic health science network, working with university partners and research institutes.
- Development of research infrastructure and research innovation programs.
- Creating a partnership that supports collaboration with researchers and clinicians.
UHN President and CEO, Dr Kevin Smith, said in alignment with UHN's Vision - "A Healthier World", the organisation wants to expand international collaborations in the health field in order to have a bigger impact for patients in Canada and internationally.
"Working with (CALHN) chairman Raymond Spencer and CEO Lesley Dwyer, we've been able to identify opportunities for us to work closely together that will improve care, research and education.
"I hope we can learn together, share best practices and truly advance scholarship in a way that is meaningful to our patients and to those who serve patients.
"I look forward to a long and fruitful association between our two remarkable organisations."
