NSLHD News February 11 2022

NSLHD and NORTH Foundation Grants Program open Applications for the Northern Sydney Local Health District

have been so clear that Australia Post has already implemented the program for injured workers across the country. support, injured workers are getting back to their job in less than half the time of those receiving usual care,” he said. “We have shown that by adopting this additional “Workers felt the connection to positive people and the consistent reassurance were particularly helpful. “This is a wonderful example of robust research influencing healthcare models and health outcomes, and improving real-life workplace protocols. “Importantly, the benefits of this research will not just impact workers and their individual organisations, but will extend to the broader community as well.” There has been further recognition of Michael’s contribution to healthcare with the announcement that he is to receive the International Association for the Study of Pain’s John D NORTH Foundation CEO Gilbert Lorquet said staff who have been looking for funding for a particular project or initiative are encouraged to submit an expression of interest to receive funding. “The two-stage application process is quick and easy for staff to complete,” he said. “Once you have submitted an expression of interest, a shortlist of candidates will be selected and invited to submit a formal application. “The applications will be reviewed and awarded by the funding advisory committee and the NORTH Foundation. “These are philanthropic grants so we are focused on demonstrating meaningful

impact for patients and the broader community.” Relevant projects for the current program focusing on patient services could include funding for new equipment, service improvements, feasibility testing, expansion of services or staffing. Projects which have already secured part-funding from other sources will be looked upon favourably. Expressions of interest for round one (patient services) will be open until 1 March. Visit the NORTH Foundation website for more information and to apply – https://bit. ly/3Bjzo4x Find out more about successful projects funded in 2021 here – https://bit. ly/3JfK1rL

competitive, national award for an innovative program helping people get back to work after injury. Professor Michael Nicholas and Dr Manasi Mittinty from the Pain Management Research Centre were part of a team which received a National Safety Award of Excellence for their initiative. The program was trialled with staff from Australia Post and involved early identification and intervention for workers at risk of delayed recovery following a work-related injury. Participants in the intervention arm of the trial were offered up to six sessions with a psychologist or counsellor, and a workplace rehabilitation provider to assist with barriers returning to work. This was in addition to the medical and physiotherapy care normally provided for such injured workers. Michael said while the long- term follow-up is continuing, the benefits of this approach and NORTH Foundation Grants Program are now open to staff across the district. The program is a joint initiative designed to provide access to untied donations for philanthropic purposes. The grants program will run three times this year – in February, June and October – with a total of $300,000 to be awarded across a wide range of projects. This year funding will be allocated to innovative projects across three funding rounds – patient services (February), education, community wellbeing and outreach (June), and research (October).

Research program supporting injured workers wins top award Kolling researchers have taken out a highly-

Professor Michael Nicholas

Loeser Prize for 2022. This award recognises the recipient’s distinguished lifetime achievement in the clinical science of pain and Professor Nicholas is the first Australian to receive the accolade. He has welcomed the honour, saying it reflects the standing of our work at the Pain Management Research Centre in pain education, research and clinical services.

WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU

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