There is an increasing need for additional support and research into health issues effecting women and children in the Wentworth Area Health Service. Researchers urgently need funds to enable research in the following areas:

Hypertension and diabetes are the commonest medical disorders in pregnancy. Professor Michael Peek and Dr Henry Murray from Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Nepean Hospital have a vast clinical and research expertise in these diseases and are researching methods to help improve outcomes


Three-dimensional ultrasound is a relatively new technique in assessing foetal anomalies and high-risk pregnancies. Professor Ron Benzie and his staff at Perinatal Ultrasound at Nepean Hospital are investigating future possible use of ultrasound


In utero the placenta is essential in supplying the foetus with adequate oxygen. After birth the lungs are important. Projects investigating how the placenta works and what factors influence lung growth are being carried out in collaboration with other centres

TOP

 

1999
An observational study of lower limb linear growth in ventilated newborns by knemometry. Funding provided - $5,718.
Dr M Tracy, Dr Hemani and Dr Shah
A randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of intermittent versus regular doses of Ranitidine in increasing the gastric pH and reducing gastric haemorrhage in sick newborn infants. Funding provided - $6,665.
Dr Wadhawan, Dr H Coughtrey and CNC J Dawson
Correlation betweeen neuronal damage, oxidative lipid production and lactate production in the Chronically Cannulated Term Fetus (Stage 1). Funding provided - $10,300.
Dr H Murray and Dr C E Pennell

2000
Research on 3D Ultrasound Machine. Funding provided - $30,000.
Dr Henry Murray
Intrapartum monitoring and neonatal resuscitation in the Growth Retarded Fetus (Stage 2). Funding provided - $13,000.
Dr C E Pennell and Dr H Coughtrey
Donation to the Brian Spurrett Scholarship Fund. Funding provided - $7,000.

2001
Development and Validation of a neonatal pain assessment tool in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Nepean Hospital. Funding provided - $1,127.
Mr J R Marceau
An analogue recording system to collect physiological information from intensive care monitors in critically ill newborn babies. Funding provided - $2,056.
Dr M Tracy

2002
Survey on the Management of Preterm Labour. Funding provided - $4,147.
Miss C M Cook and Prof. M J Peek
Prediction and measurement of the transfusion of blood from mother to foetus. Funding provided - $12,000.
Dr B S de Vries and Prof. Y C Cossart
The role of the thyroid gland in the maturation of the cells responsible for pulmonary surfactant production. Funding provided - $ 12,500.
Dr P McCullagh and Prof. M J Peek

2005
Clinical implications of slowing of growth in children on stimulants. Funding provided - $26,430.
Dr A Poulton and A/Prof. L Baur
Purchase of a blood gas machine for Delivery Suite, Nepean Hospital. Funding provided - $40,000.
Prof. M J Peek
Phenotypic and functional analysis of regulatory T lymphocytes in early infancy. Funding provided - $15,000.
A/Prof. R Nanan and Dr B Santner-Nanan


2005 in Detail

Clinical implications of slowing of growth in children on stimulants. Funding provided - $26,430.
Researchers: Dr A Poulton and A/Prof. L Baur

Previous studies have shown that when children with ADHD are given the usual treatment (stimulant medication) they grow more slowly. This has never been thoroughly investigated and many people think that it is ADHD rather than its treatment, which causes growth delay. This study plans to confirm previous observations and look for other effects, which may shed light on the cause of the poor growth and may have long-term implications for the health of the child.

Purchase of a blood gas machine for Delivery Suite, Nepean Hospital. Funding provided - $40,000.
Researchers: Prof. M J Peek

Lack of oxygen in labour is a major cause of long-term illness and death in babies. Current methods of monitoring are inadequate. The blood gas machine will allow Nepean Hospital to provide their babies with the best monitoring available and allow further research into developing better methods of monitoring.

Phenotypic and functional analysis of regulatory T lymphocytes in early infancy. Funding provided - $15,000.
Researchers: A/Prof. R Nanan and Dr B Santner-Nanan

An investigation into the most recently discovered cells of the immune system, which seems to play a pivotal role in the development of autoimmune diseases, allergies and infectious diseases. This study will systematically investigate these cells in newborns. The long-term aim of this project is to better understand why we are more prone to infections in early life and why we develop allergies or autoimmune diseases. Thus this study has the potential to generate important information that could facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies against these diseases.

TOP



OZWAC’s commitment is to provide funding to continue supporting research into women and children’s health by harnessing the energy of the people in Western Sydney.

The majority of this funding must continue to come from the local community and businesses, in particular, are being urged to take note of developments in health research and asked to consider ways in which they may support these initiatives.

Businesses looking for investment opportunities would be well advised to consider possibilities of funding projects being conducted under the OZWAC banner.

With the support of the community the vision of establishing Nepean Hospital as a centre of excellence in women and children’s health medical research and education will be realised.

TOP