Issues Paper - South Western Sydney Local Health District - NSW ...

A Research Strategy for South Western Sydney Local Health District – Paper No.1 Issues Final April 2012Infrastructure EnablersSWSLHD services such as the Information Management and Technology Division (IMTD),Human Resources, Capital Works and Finance play an important role in providing the systemsand infrastructure needed to support research activity. The consultation indentified a rangeof areas where a more concerted focus is required.1. Physical Assets for ResearchResearch assets such as offices, wet labs, equipment, clinical rooms and research storageareas are located predominantly in Liverpool (e.g. the Clinical Services Building, the mainhospital building and Speed Street) and to a lesser extent in other facilities. The new InghamInstitute building, Cancer Research Bunker with MRI and Skills Simulation Centre providemuch needed new infrastructure to expand research capability.Access to clinical space, office and storage for research purposes is an issue in all facilities.Recent capital planning for Liverpool and Campbelltown hospitals has attempted to takeinto account the needs of research to access clinical rooms however the stageddevelopment of these facilities suggests that access (at least in the medium term) may bedifficult. Demand created by a growing and ageing population will place additionaldemands on clinical space and equipment. Adequate accommodation for research activityis required in all major facilities.2. Financial ManagementThe financial management of research projects is complex with considerable diversity infunding sources (i.e. government, non-government, special purpose and trust (SP&T),pharmaceutical and philanthropic), grants and partnership arrangements, and variability inprocesses for payment, reporting and accountability.The District Finance Department is developing new systems and processes such as electronicordering and timely cost centre reporting to improve financial management. This shouldaddress some of the concerns identified in financial management of research however thereis also a need for clearer processes for project identification and grant management(including acquittal and end of project management), improved understanding aboutfinancial arrangements with research partners and funders and better costing methods fordetermining the financial viability of research.3. Human ResourcesEfficient human resource processes are particularly important for enabling research to meettimeframes and ensuring that experienced staff are recruited and retained. The need for aresearch career structure with flexibility in employment and pathways to permanency,variable understanding of research requirements by middle and senior management (suchas the need for clinical research credentialing), and delays in recruitment and conferenceleave (and related) approvals were identified as areas which required additional attention.There are no specific awards applicable to researchers, particularly ‘dry’ researchers whoare often employed as ‘Health Service Managers’. This creates difficulties with grading,recruitment and promotion.SWSLHD| 20