Australia’s first mobile trials unit brings care to rural communities

AUSTRALIA’S first mobile clinical trials unit has been launched by Grampians Health to provide research, innovation, and care in Western Victoria.

The unit was purchased second-hand and was previously used as a mobile laboratory.

It will allow staff to provide trial-related care to patients currently enrolled in clinical trials.

Each participant will be assessed on suitability, and the aim of the unit is to reduce the burden of travel.

“Our mobile clinical trials unit will help close the gap for our regional and rural patients who face poorer health outcomes, by bringing the latest clinical research and therapies directly to them – delivering care closer to, or even at, home” said professor Matthew Hadfield, Grampians Health chief medical officer.

“Every kilometre our mobile clinical trials unit travels represents greater access, better outcomes, and stronger communities for our people in regional and rural areas, reducing the stress and burden on patients and their families.”

Hamilton-based grandfather Barry Baulch will be one of the first participants to use the mobile unit, previously travelling hundreds of kilometres with his wife Bev to access a phase I oncology trial.

“For Bev and me, having the mobile clinical trials bus come to us in Hamilton will really take the pressure off,” he said.

“You go through so much with cancer already without adding the extra stress and burden of travel.”

The unit includes artwork by First Nations artist Darlene Rumler.

Called Woven Art, the work acknowledges the Traditional Owners of South-West Victoria.

The unit will also operate as an engagement hub to increase awareness around clinical trials.