Tasmania's premier medical research facility, Menzies Research Institute, in collaboration with Calvary Health Care Tasmania, will officially open its doors today at Calvary's St Vincent's Campus in Launceston.

Tasmania's premier medical research facility, Menzies Research Institute, in collaboration with Calvary Health Care Tasmania, will officially open its doors today at Calvary's St Vincent's Campus in Launceston.

Calvary Health Care has kindly donated rooms at their St Vincent's campus for use by Menzies researchers, enabling Menzies to significantly extend its vital medical research across the State. 

Menzies' Director, Professor Simon Foote said that Menzies Research Institute is essentially a Tasmanian Icon and is interested in the health of all Tasmanians.

"Many people from the North and North-west of the state already participate in Menzies studies and this collaboration with Calvary Health Care Tasmania will provide greater access for these people, who are interested or already involved in our important medical research studies," Professor Foote said.

 "With rapid expansion underway and the near completion of the new Menzies building in Hobart, this is an exciting opportunity for the Menzies to grow throughout Tasmania."

"Menzies values its partnership with Calvary Health Care Tasmania and it is heartening to see hospitals extending their interests beyond their role as healthcare providers."

"Menzies is grateful to Calvary Health Care Tasmania for their support in this endeavour and we look forward to a long and productive collaboration in Launceston," Professor Foote said.

Calvary Health Care Tasmania's Director of Operations, Mr Grant Musgrave said that Calvary is very pleased to support the expansion of Menzies Research Institute into Tasmania's north.

"Menzies shares Calvary's commitment to the Tasmanian community and to excellence across its operations, and we are certain this collaboration will be very successful and productive," he said.

Menzies' Senior Member, Professor Mark Nelson said that the new Launceston-based centre will enable people from the north of the State, who are already involved in the participant based ASPREE study, greater access and quality of service.

"The ASPREE study, which has been running in Tasmania since 2005, will now have a clinic operating out of our Launceston centre three days a week," Professor Nelson said.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The ASPREE study is a double-blind randomised controlled trial of low dose aspirin for healthy ageing. The study is investigating how aspirin can potentially slow the progression of diseases such as dementia and cardiovascular disease, which will in turn lead to a greater quality of life for individuals and families.

Low dose aspirin has been shown to prevent further strokes and heart attacks in people who have already had one. It has also been shown to protect people who have not had a heart attack or stroke but who are at increased risk.

Released by:

Fiona Horwood
Communications Manager
Menzies Research Institute
Telephone:(03) 6226 7751

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