A Research Strategy for South Western Sydney Local Health District

A Research Strategy for South Western Sydney Local Health District – Paper No. 2 Potential Directions Revised March 2012
Potential Strategies
1. Strengthening Health Research Leadership Across South Western Sydney
1.1 Develop a District-wide Approach to Research Leadership
1.1.1 Develop a SWSLHD Research Policy Statement that emphasises the
importance of health research, the benefits to the health service and
community, the role of managers and staff in encouraging research and
expectations including recognition of SWSLHD in multicentre studies.
1.1.2 Implement a Communication Strategy targeted to existing and future staff
which includes:
a. Development of a Research webpage which provides information
about research undertaken in the District, grants and financial and other
supports available, and achievements using print and audio.
b. Coverage of research achievements (such as new research
qualifications, forums and research papers) in internal and public forums
and media.
c. An annual research report which summarises achievements in research
and research related activities and progress in implementing the
Research Strategy.
d. Reporting of research in all facilities.
1.1.3 Include a research strategy/ies in all District strategic, clinical and service
plans and extra-ordinary funding proposals.
1.1.4 Build research activity into annual performance agreements of all clinical
directors and facility managers with key performance indicators (KPIs) to
assess performance.
1.1.5 Target recruitment in clinical leadership positions to people who are active
researchers or who are actively upgrading their research knowledge and
skills;
1.1.6 Hold annual research forums to showcase new and emerging research in
the District. This may include targeted forums which address priority
research areas or professions e.g. Allied Health. There is also potential for
forums in all facilities.
1.2 Clarify the Roles and Relationship between SWSLHD and the Ingham Institute
SWSLHD and the Ingham Institute have a mutually beneficial, collaborative and
cooperative arrangement for research that benefits the broader community in
South Western Sydney. This includes the provision by the Institute of research and
research facilities of an international quality and standing which can support the
research activities of SWSLHD prevention and clinical staff.
1.2.1 Review and refine the roles and responsibilities of SWSLHD in research vis a
vis the Ingham Institute. In particular:
a. Appoint a Director of Research for SWSLHD with clearly articulated
responsibilities in relation to SWSLHD governance and oversight.
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