Research funding

New funding for better heart health in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

The George Institute is delighted to be part of the Australian Government’s Medical Research Future Fund commitment towards establishing new research centres for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The Institute’s involvement is focused on SmartHealth, a software tool that integrates with primary care packages to provide decision support and quality improvement services.  Developed by The George Institute, SmartHealth is planned for roll out with Telstra Health as part of its Communicare initiative.  In partnership with Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Services, this project will receive $500,000 of Centre investment and $285,000 leveraged support from Telstra Health. The program will reduce cardiovascular disease burden amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the country.

Professor David Peiris, Director of the Global Primary Health Care Program (Better Care) at The George Institute is leading the project.

“We’re excited to work in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services to co-design a program focussed on improving cardiovascular care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” he said.