Researcher joins health service

THIS year, mental health researcher Sammy Russell has joined Grampians Health working on a project with clinicians.

She said she wanted to work within her community and make a difference locally.

“I understand the challenges regional hospitals face and want to be able to help where I can to ease the disparities for patients and the community,” Ms Russell said.

“I like the community and working alongside clinicians, as I have previously come from academia it is nice to be able to work ‘on the ground’ and make changes happen much quicker than my previous roles.”

Ms Russell has a PhD in mental health and understanding treatment outcomes for people with co-occurring bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

“We know it’s important for a health service to build research capacity across different areas and is a strong way to gain better outcomes for patients,” said Grampians Health’s chief medical officer, Professor Matthew Hadfield.

“We’re lucky to have Ms Russell joining the mental health team this year.

“It means this team gets to delve deeper into the research space while continuing with their clinical work.”

As well as helping other clinicians with their research, Ms Russell will conduct her own.

“I have a few research projects with clinicians, but my primary research project is ConnectED, to help design a role for lived and living experience workers to help those seeking mental health supports in Grampians Health emergency departments,” she said.

“It’s important that both the health services and the patients are offered and equipped with the same opportunities that are offered in larger cities.

“Mental health research has been neglected in the past particularly when it comes to the emergency department in rural and regional towns.”