- $3 million awarded to six innovative projects through the Targeted Call - Health System Solutions program
- Funding supports health system innovations to improve patient outcomes and efficiency
- Program enables partnerships between healthcare providers, researchers, and industry leaders
The Cook Government is investing $3 million in six innovative projects offering smart solutions to improve WA's healthcare system through the Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund.
The funding, awarded through the Targeted Call - Health Systems Solutions program, will support projects designed to tackle critical business challenges identified by WA health service providers (HSPs).
These projects aim to improve how healthcare is delivered, make services more efficient, and deliver better outcomes for patients across the State.
The funding program supports the early stages of streamlining of government procurement, making it faster and more adaptable while delivering value.
By bringing together the public sector, researchers, and industry, it enables the swift development and implementation of innovative solutions to improve healthcare.
The successful applicants were chosen through a two-step process, including expert assessment of both concept papers and full proposals.
Among the funded projects is an AI-powered triage and waitlist tool to improve orthopaedic surgery pathways - helping patients get treated faster while reducing hospital wait times.
Another project will expand access to pre-natal care for mothers in regional WA through telehealth ultrasound services.
The other successful projects each tackled specific issues raised by WA's health services including AI-assisted diagnostics, better access to care, and cutting-edge medical technology.
Recipients will work closely with industry leaders, healthcare providers, and community organisations to develop and roll-out sustainable, high-impact innovations.
The FHRI Fund, a State Government initiative, provides ongoing funding for health and medical research, innovation, and commercialisation to improve health outcomes, create jobs, and strengthen the economy.
Targeted Call - Health System Solutions program grant recipients include:
Activity Lead |
Activity Title |
Responsible Entity |
Funding awarded |
Dr Francesco De Toni |
Enhancement and validation of the SMHS Digital Companion for Surgical Patients |
South Metropolitan Health Service |
$498,920 |
Dr Simon Kavanagh |
Implementation of CellaVision digital morphology in PathWest regional laboratories |
PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA |
$500,000 |
Mr Matt Menezes |
Addressing orthopaedic surgical pathways through AI-driven triage and waitlist solutions at EMHS |
Arkahna Pty Ltd |
$486,351 |
Dr Michael O'Sullivan |
Statewide Expansion of Virtual Immunology Clinic for General Practice (VIC-GP) for Infants and Young Children |
South Metropolitan Health Service |
$496,599 |
Ms Emma Rooney |
My Emergency Visit (MEV) - Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH) Emergency Department (ED) Pilot |
North Metropolitan Health Service |
$500,000 |
A/Professor Jared Watts |
Connected Care: Advancing Maternal-Fetal Health with Telehealth Ultrasound Across Western Australia |
WA Country Health Service |
$466,466 |
As stated by Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson:
"This funding gives WA's brightest minds the support they need to bring real change to our health system.
"The Targeted Call - Health System Solutions program is backing smart, evidence-based ideas that solve real-world problems.
"The Cook Government remains committed to ensuring WA researchers, innovators, and healthcare professionals have the resources needed to create lasting improvements in our health system."
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"Our health system continues to adapt and evolve, using technology and innovation to ensure our quality of care remains world-class.
"Advancements like these make our health system more efficient and deliver better outcomes for patients no matter where they live across our vast State."
