In a Mater-first, all cancer clinical trials units now operate from one centralised location, McAuley Lodge, situated on the hospital grounds.

Director of Health Research and Translation, Professor Christian Gericke, is confident that bringing the units together will have long-term benefits for the Mater and the local community.

“There is no doubt this move will improve collaboration and development between the teams, as we strengthen our capability in cancer clinical trials,” Prof Gericke said.

“On average, we conduct more than 100 clinical trials at the Mater each year. Conducting these trials is integral to providing innovative cancer care and improving outcomes for cancer patients now and into the future.”

The refurbishment works see the former Newcastle Mater Misericordiae Hospital nurses’ quarters converted into fit-for-purpose office space.

Ahead of 20 May, Medical Oncology Research Trials Manager, Kim Adler, reflected on the importance of clinical trials and the role they play in improving health outcomes.

“Clinical trials are essential to developing new treatments and improving standards of care across the health system,” she said.

“At the Mater, we are fortunate to have some incredibly talented staff undertaking world-renowned cancer research right here in the Hunter. We need to continue working hard to attract the best clinical trials to the region, to ensure our patients have the best treatment options without having to travel to Sydney.”

In addition to the Mater’s dedicated teams working in cancer clinical trials, there are trials taking place in medicine, surgery, palliative care, clinical toxicology, liaison psychiatry and pharmacy.