August 17, 2023

UOW and Warrigal partner on aged care research and capacity building

Collaboration will drive positive change and innovation in aged care

The University of Wollongong (UOW) and Warrigal are pleased to announce a renewed partnership focused on research and capacity building in the aged care sector with a commitment to improving the lives of older people and supporting aged care service providers.

The ongoing partnership will facilitate valuable clinical experiences for students, promote research engagements to enhance understanding and support for aged care, and foster a collaborative approach to addressing the challenges faced by healthcare providers across all stages of life.

The collaboration will target the development of innovative clinical placement models across various health disciplines, including nursing, medicine, exercise science, nutrition and dietetics, and foster flexibility in meeting the evolving workforce needs of the aged care sector.

UOW and Warrigal will also explore research opportunities aimed at instigating innovations in aged care and will work together to translate research findings into practice to positively impact the lives of older individuals.

Senior Professor Eileen McLaughlin, Executive Dean of UOW’s Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, welcomed the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations.

“UOW and Warrigal working together will make tangible, real-world impacts in our support for those working in aged care, and the lives of older people,” Professor McLaughlin said.

“UOW has a strong history in working with partners in health settings to empower our students as the workforce of the future. Creating new knowledge in partnership with Warrigal will allow us continue our focus on research quality, engagement and impact while working with our communities to support their needs and experiences in health.”

Warrigal Acting CEO Alissa Walsh also expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities presented by the partnership.

“Warrigal is excited to partner with UOW in driving positive change and innovation in aged care. This collaboration empowers us to provide top-notch care to our residents while nurturing the skills of future healthcare professionals. Together, we are committed to making a lasting impact on the well-being of older people and ensuring a brighter future for aged care services in our community.”

In addition to providing a new framework for clinical placements and research, the partnership is already fostering greater collaboration between the organisations, with Warrigal participating as an exhibitor at UOW's recent Care Fair, part of the STEM and Health Careers Expo.