About us

During the COVID-19 pandemic researchers may need to consider changes in the methods and ability to conduct research. Consideration needs to be given to participants’ needs due to self-isolation, travel restrictions, site visit limitations and safety for both participants and staff.

Guidance for research within the MNCLHD may be found in the following levels:

Local

MNCLHD-specific measures for COVID-19 interruption to Clinical Trials and non-drug research

This guidance is to be read in conjunction with State guidance documents. It’s recommended to liaise with the Research Governance Officer or Research Office for guidance.

State

NSW Health COVID-19 Guidance on Clinical Trials: Guidance for clinical trial sponsors, sites and researchers

This guidance has been provided to minimise the adverse health impacts on clinical trial participants as well as site, sponsor and vendor staff involved in clinical trials. Emphasis is placed on managing burden and disruption to health-related services in NSW at this critical time.

National

COVID-19: Guidance on clinical trials for institutions, HRECs, researchers and sponsors

This guidance provides general information and advice to institutions conducting or overseeing research, Human Research Ethics Committees (HRECs), researchers and sponsors in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is directed towards those involved in clinical trial research and other relevant clinical research, but also may be of use to institutions, HRECs and researchers in other fields.

Updates to this information will be provided as the situation evolves. If you have any questions in relation to research during COVID-19 pandemic, please contact research governance or the research office.

Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) is a member of the NSW Regional Health Partners, an initiative of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and is supported by the NSW Ministry of Health Hub Strategy.

The partners include:

• Calvary Mater Newcastle
• Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD)
• Charles Sturt University (CSU)
• Durri Aboriginal Corporation Medical Service(DACMS)
• Galambila Aboriginal Health Service (GAHS)
• Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network
• Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD)
• Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI)
• Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD)
• North Coast Primary Health Network (NCPHN)
• Rural Clinical School, University of NSW (UNSW)
• Southern Cross University (SCU)
• University of Newcastle (UON)
• University of New England (UNE)
• Werin Aboriginal Corporation (WAC).

The following strategic documents are available:

• Research and Translation Plan (2017 – 2021)
• Consumer and Community Engagement Framework for Research (Appendices).

There are four ‘pillars’ of research focus which closely reflect the MNCLHD Strategic Directions:

1. People, Patients and Communities
   • Advancing understandings of person-centred strategies to enhance care and promote recover. Researching strategies that empower individuals, families and groups to have greater control over their health, wellbeing and connectedness.
2. Leadership Workforce and Culture
   • Evaluating best practice in recruitment, retention and development of a highly skilled and engaged workforce able to demonstrate leadership within and external to MNCLHD.
3. Integrated Care
   • Conducting multi-method investigations into those innovations, mechanisms and structural reforms which support the delivery of seamlessly provided, person centred care across the care continuum.
4. Safety and Quality
   • Systematic enquiry into initiatives and processes which advance the quality of service provision and governance of safety within the LHD.

Closing the Gap is a priority within each pillar and value and accountability concerns underpins all research.

Research Annual Report