Research into issues affecting older Australians has taken a step forward with the opening of a new national academic centre at Frankston Hospital – which will house the National Centre for Healthy Ageing.
Through a partnership between the Federal Government, Peninsula Health and Monash University, the academic centre will work towards transforming health service development, implementation, research and evaluation for older people, as well as those with addiction and mental health issues.
One of the key research points of the Centre will be to explore new and innovative ways to harness technology and data to help senior Australians remain independent.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt said the Centre will deliver better ways to care for elderly Australians, with successful models then able to be rolled out nationally.
“The Frankston and Mornington Peninsula has one of the fastest ageing populations in the country,” Minister Hunt said.
“It is an ideal place to explore innovative health care solutions for older people, whether it be at home or in residential aged care.
“Our Government is pleased to partner with Monash University and Peninsula Health to make the project a reality.
“By delivering sustainable, evidence-based, efficient models of care, it will support people with increasingly complex health conditions to live their best lives.”
The Federal Government invested $32 million in the healthy ageing component of the Centre, delivered through the $1.25 billion Community Health and Hospitals Program.
