20162017annual report

With your support, we save lives.

Cardiology nurse Lisa at the Lyell McEwin Hospital.

ContentsMessage from the Chair 4

Message from the Chief Executive 7

Board Members 10

Our Ambassadors 14

Financials 16

Saving Lives Through Research 24

Research Equipment 29

Our Affiliate Brands 30

Thank You To Our Life Guardians 37

Hospital Research Home Lottery 38

Under Our Roof 40

Fundraising and Events 42

Community Support 46

Corporate Support 49

Media Outcomes 50

Professional Memberships 53

Sponsorships 53

Research Highlights 54

Personal Stories 58

Cover photo: Associate Professor Wendy Ingman, lead researcher of the Breast Biology and Cancer Unit at the Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research.

4

I can imagine a world where our loved ones don’t suffer through the many heartbreaking conditions we see today. A world where research into the prevention of disease has seen an end to common diseases that affect so many of our families. I can picture that world. I’ve witnessed lives being saved because of the research you support. Because of you, we can ease the huge emotional and physical burden of these diseases and illnesses. We bring hope to our community.

We save lives.

In the 2016/17 financial year as Chair of The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) I have been enthralled by the many lifesaving breakthroughs our researchers are making in the lab and the clinic, as well as the generosity of our incredible group of donors spread across Australia. It’s this group who enable us to support research into the prevention, detection and treatment of diseases, resulting in improved therapies and the best possible patient care in our hospitals.

Our achievements and growth make us a very different organisation to the one we were five years ago. We have come a long way. You’ll read about our incredible expansion across South Australia inside our annual report. You’ll also meet some of the inspiring researchers conducting world-class research improving the lives of all South Australians.

Chelsea Holloway is one of these South Australians. Living the majority of her life in and out of hospital, suffering with severe stomach pain, Chelsea was diagnosed with pancreatitis when she was just 10-years-old. The extreme pain Chelsea lived with every day forced her to miss out on a normal teenage life, such as school, work commitments and catching up with friends.

Chelsea doesn’t live this way anymore. Incredibly, she lives a normal life thanks to the research you support. Early in 2017, Chelsea was the second paediatric islet auto-transplant patient, enabled by Professor Toby Coates’ research supported through THRF. This procedure involved Chelsea having her pancreas removed, islet cells were then harvested and infused back into her liver and she now lives without the constant pain that put her life on hold. Chelsea was able to celebrate her 18th birthday like any other young woman and you should feel so proud knowing the research you support has given Chelsea her life back.

Continuing to guide the organisation’s future growth, we have remained committed to our strategic plan with a strong focus on donor engagement across all levels. We have seen a record year of funds to research, with the organisation funding over $9.6 million into research and patient care in South Australian hospitals, and another $2.4 million into our research reserve for future research commitments. This means that this year we are proud to have been able to allocate 85 per cent gross profit to

improving health in our community through health and medical research, improved treatments and new advancements in patient care. This is an outstanding achievement. This success doesn’t happen overnight. With your support, it’s been achieved by an organisation with a strong and talented team led by Chief Executive Paul Flynn. A thank you to our dedicated Board and sub-committees who, paired with our ongoing financial transparency, help ensure the community choose to support us for the right reasons. They feel confident that all of their donations will reach their desired cause and we are able to give them the option of supporting research into so many areas.

It is with great sadness I acknowledge the passing of our esteemed board member Air-Vice Marshal Brent Espeland AM (Ret’d) who passed away peacefully on September 29 2017. Air-Vice Marshal Espeland was a distinguished figure in our Australian military who championed support for veterans both past and present. He served as a valued board member of THRF and became Chair of the Board of Governors for The Road Home (formerly The Repat Foundation) when it became an affiliate partner of THRF. His dedication, knowledge and leadership played an integral role in helping the two foundations work together on the common goal of supporting people in our community and saving lives. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Air-Vice Marshal Espeland during this time. Vale Air-Vice Marshal Brent Espeland AM (Ret’d).

I extend a special word of thanks to The Road Home Board of Governors led by Air-Vice Marshal Brent Espeland AM (deceased) and Brigadier Alison Creagh CSC (Ret’d). Together, their leadership for this affiliate of THRF has seen The Road Home form into a strong national brand funding research and programs into the health and wellbeing of our Nation’s heroes – the men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to protect us.

Finally, to our research partners and donors, we thank you for your support during another year, our most exciting one to date. The future is only getting brighter for THRF, building its footprint throughout the country and saving more lives. It’s only with your support that we can continue to strive for success and I know that together, we can make a meaningful and lifesaving difference in the community we all call home.

Thank you. Melinda OLeary

Message from the Chair

5

6

Alexander Bate, cardiology student at the Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research.

7

The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) has one reason for existence: the support of medical research and patient care in our local hospitals, which ultimately saves lives. The 2016/17 financial year has been an extraordinarily successful year for our organisation. On behalf of our entire team, I would like to extend a thank you to everyone who has helped us achieve our goals this year. We are a foundation for the community and because of you, we help save lives.

This year, we have continued to expand across South Australia supporting more lifesaving research and improved patient care for you and your loved ones. We continue to drive towards our organisational objectives, as laid out in our twelve year strategic plan, not only providing a sustainable income stream to support health and medical research, but also growing our income generated through philanthropic support of the community, boosted by the strength of our commercial activities and the Hospital Research Home Lottery program. We are proud to operate a number of affiliate entities coming under THRF’s group, allowing donors to choose to directly support their research area of choice. Australian Breast Cancer Research, Australian Heart Research and Australian Prostate Cancer continue to thrive on a national scale, enabling us to fund research into these three key areas on a global scale, with a key focus on prevention as well as treatment. We have also seen exponential growth in our newer affiliate entities, Kidney, Transplant and Diabetes Research Australia and also The Road Home, which supports the health and wellbeing of veterans, emergency service personnel and their families. You will read about the performance and impact outcomes of these brands inside this report. We’re proud to facilitate this successful multi-affiliate model, supported by our commercial activities, which enables us to direct 100% of all funds donated to each of our affiliate brands to the intended cause. Operating and administrative costs are offset by income generated through our commercial activities.

As set out in our strategic plan, promoting wellness in our community and improving care in our hospitals is a fundamental part of who we are. In the 2016/17 year we have set our sights on expansion in this area and thanks to the support of our donors, ticket buyers in the lottery and our hardworking team, we have exceeded our objectives. After supporting research and patient care at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (TQEH) and the Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research (BHI) for over 50 years, we have now officially extended our support to the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH), Lyell McEwin Hospital (LMH) and the Centre for Cancer Biology (CCB). This makes us the largest private funder of health and medical research and patient care in the state and gives us an opportunity to work more closely with all three of South Australia’s universities: the

University of Adelaide, the University of South Australia and Flinders University.

Our support of the new RAH and the LMH, will see us establishing a physical presence at both sites. Our new THRF offices will provide a point of call for the hospital’s patients, visitors and staff, where donations and proceeds from lottery sales at these hubs will be directed back into research and patient care at these sites.

In October 2017, our office opened at the new RAH, a world-class facility that we are absolutely thrilled to be part of with our partnership with the Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN). Our initial support of this new facility included over $1.6 million to help establish the clinical trials centre as part of the new hospital. The Royal Adelaide Hospital Clinical Trials Centre supported by The Hospital Research Foundation will represent the epitome of translational healthcare in our state. When research gets to the clinical trial stage, it means it is at the point where it truly has potential to make an impact on a patient’s life. We cannot wait to hear some of the incredible stories that come out of this Centre and share them with you throughout the next year.

Our exciting partnership with the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN) and LMH kicked off with funding over $600,000 to translational medical research and patient care initiatives in the 2016/17 year. We were also delighted to provide $90,000 in funding for a dedicated purpose-built audiology booth for the LMH for the first time. The booth will be situated in the Outpatient Department at the LMH and will enable both adults and children to have their hearing assessed pre and post-surgery or treatments. Ultimately this information will enable treatments to be fine-tuned to each individual patient, improving their treatment and enhancing their care.We’ve also now extended our support to the CCB in Adelaide who conduct a world-class program of innovative research, making breakthrough discoveries in the fundamental causes of cancer, and translating these discoveries into new ways to prevent and treat this group of diseases. These vital and life-changing research projects will go on to save lives and we are so proud to be their charity partner gaining support from the community. To date, we have provided over $750,000 in funding to enable the advancement of research projects there, including an exciting pilot project investigating a new pathway to stopping the spread of prostate cancer.

While expansion has been imperative, we remain committed to supporting translational ‘bench to bedside’ research at the BHI. In February 2017, we were saddened by the passing of Dr Basil Hetzel AC, one of our nation’s most cherished pioneers of medical research. Dr Hetzel was the first Professor of Medicine at

Message from the Chief Executive

8

TQEH and the figurehead of the BHI. He lived a truly significant life achieving many momentous public health milestones which will be honoured through the medical research we are able to support thanks to our kind community of donors. With an incredibly distinguished research career, Dr Hetzel helped millions of children and saved lives around the world. Discovering the link between iodized salt in the diet and the prevention of brain damage in newborns, his work has been recognised as one of the most significant medical discoveries of our time. But it wasn’t easy for him. His groundbreaking work took him to remote parts of Papua New Guinea in the 1960s to help identify his crucial finding. It is this level of dedication and hard work required to make these types of lifesaving outcomes in the field of medical research. For our researchers, it’s the legacy Dr Hetzel left behind, paired with the ongoing support of the community, that gives them the encouragement and the ability to find new treatments, and ultimately cures for so many heartbreaking diseases.

In the 2016/17 year, we were able to provide $2.7 million to researchers at TQEH and the BHI, our largest grant round at these facilities to date. This included our inaugural Basil Hetzel Translational Grant, in memory of Dr Basil Hetzel AC, awarded to a world-first research project developing a new treatment for chronic pain following an ‘unexplained heart attack’.We believe that our extensive support of South Australia is helping to build a conduit – encouraging collaborations that will result in a bigger impact on the health of our local community, with further benefits to the global community. We are now a key sponsor for the South Australian Advanced Health Research and Translational Centre (the SA Centre), who ensure that research breakthroughs lead to direct clinical benefits for patients and help eliminate the need for people needing to go to hospital in the first place. The integration of the SA Centre, aligned with the Government’s Transforming Health, will be the vehicle providing the link between the research outcomes and translating these into clinical practice. In essence, this is a strong reflection on why we exist and we are honoured to be involved in contributing to this crucial initiative in our state.

Collaboration is essential to success. If we see something we believe works well, we feel confident in investing in it. I’m pleased to share with you that we have now entered into a five year partnership with the Jodi Lee Foundation, an organisation committed to empowering people to take active steps to prevent bowel cancer and live healthy lives. They do this through a number of national initiatives encouraging Australians to screen regularly, know their family history, act quickly on symptoms and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Our support of the Jodi Lee Foundation will enable them to research, develop and produce an Education Toolkit to rollout their Workplace Prevention Program, increasing their reach by at least 70 per cent. Together, we will create greater awareness about bowel cancer through their national campaign – Make Bowel Cancer Disappear.

A testament to our success this year has been the community support of the Hospital Research Home Lottery, which has such a strong impact in the community as well as the ongoing potential to increase the support we provide to health and medical research and patient care in South Australia. With our first two lotteries in the 2016/17 year selling out in record time, we were aware of a number of disappointed community members who missed out on buying a ticket for their chance to win and support our cause. We wanted to provide another opportunity for these people to support the lottery and in return provide even more support to finding cures and improving care in our community. This presented the opportunity for us to coordinate a third lottery campaign for the financial year, which was another record sell-out and a key contributor to our growth in funds to research this year. Our ongoing relationship with Scott Salisbury Homes is essential in ensuring we have a premium product offering as our grand prize. They are truly aspirational.

Another area we couldn’t survive without is the incredible support we receive from the corporate community. In 2016/17, we were approached by Australian business G-Fresh to partner with our affiliate brand, Australian Breast Cancer Research (ABCR) to support vital breast cancer research. A producer of garden fresh herbs, spices and seasonings found in independent supermarkets across the country, G-Fresh rebranded all their products pink, with part of their proceeds going towards ABCR. Not only have they made a very large contribution to lifesaving breast cancer research, but they have also promoted breast cancer awareness through the branding of their products. We extend our thanks and look forward to continuing to work with G-Fresh Directors Simon, Theo and Peter. Other local businesses we have been supported by include national lingerie brand Intimo and online wine supplier Wine Direct who both have made a commitment to working with our organisation to save lives.

We continue as the charity partner of Mercer SuperCycle; a seven-day bike ride supporting country cancer patients. Mercer SuperCycle relies heavily on corporate support and continues to grow its fundraising tally. In 2017, Mercer SuperCycle raised more than $405,000 for our Under Our Roof Project, which has meant we can purchase our next family accommodation facility, this time in Bowden. We look forward to opening this new three-bedroom apartment, close to the city and public transport for patients in need. To the SuperCycle board, we say a huge thank you. We look forward to being involved in the 2018 ride, with cyclists for the first time riding from Melbourne to Adelaide.

At the heart of what we do is our dedicated Board of Directors, led by Chair Melinda OLeary and Deputy Chair Mr John MacPhail.

9

I thank them for their commitment to ensuring everything we do is in line with our strategic plan through their passionate strategic direction and strong skills in governance.

As mentioned in our Chair’s report, our team was recently saddened by the passing of Air-Vice Marshal Brent Espeland AM (Ret’d). We were deeply honoured to work with him as a valued Board Member of THRF and Chair of the Board of Governors for our affiliate partner, The Road Home. In his two year period working with our organisation, I felt very privileged to look up to Air-Vice Marshal Espeland as a mentor and I will personally feel his loss. His leadership, unwavering passion and determination to protect Australia’s servicemen and women played an integral role in our strategic direction with this growing brand. He will be honoured in the work we do to continue to protect our heroes. Lest we forget.

A thank you to our superb Ambassadors who continue to share the good news stories about what we do, volunteer their time and help us raise vital funds to support lifesaving research and patient care. A warm thank you to the Ambassadorial team of Jenni Eyles, Bree May, Alexandra Vakitsidis, Tania Pradun and Rilka Warbanoff who have all been wonderful supporters.

Finally, I extend my thanks to our loyal and cohesive team, growing in numbers each year, reflecting on our growth in impact. Our team are passionate about what we do and we make a committed effort to ensure our culture is one where our staff are happy to come to work and everyone is appreciated for the part they play in achieving our organisational goals. As a team, if we are not making mistakes, we are not trying hard enough. We

encourage optimisation and innovation in everything we do and learn from mistakes regularly. We all engage with our donors, corporate partners and researchers on a continual basis and believe relationship building across all areas is essential to our ability to validate how your support is truly making a difference.

The future of our continual success continues to rest on your support. Thank you for being part of our most exciting journey, towards a future where we can decrease the number of people needing to be admitted into hospital and we can prevent heartbreak in our community by saving more lives. Because of you, we bring hope.

Royal Adelaide Hospital

Office

three sold out home lotteries

LMH Audiology

booth

partnership with CCB

g-fresh partnership

$2.7 million to researchers at

TQEH and the BHI

partnership with the Jodi

Lee Foundation

the longest table raised

$230k+Mercer

SuperCycle raised $405k+

10

board members 2016/2017

Ms Melinda OLeary (Chair) is co-founder, and consultant with Nova Aerospace, which employs 450 staff across Australia and internationally in Singapore the United Kingdom and Europe. Prior to joining Nova Aerospace, Melinda held senior positions in several recruitment firms including State Operations Manager for Select Staff and General Manager for both Manpower Services and Kelly Services. Melinda has considerable experience both in Business and Human Resources in both small and medium size businesses. Melinda is also a professional Company Director, holding the current positions of Chair of The Hospital Research Foundation and a Director on the South Australian Lifetime Support Authority in addition to her membership on the South Australian Training and Skills Commission. She is a former board member with ‘Time for Kids’ and a volunteer Carer with this Not for Profit organisation.

John MacPhail (Deputy Chair) is a partner of Lynch Meyer Lawyers, a leading Adelaide law firm providing a vast range of useful services for small-to-medium enterprises, large corporations and Not for Profit organisations. John has more than 25 years’ experience working in law firms in London, Sydney and Melbourne. He is a past President of the Copyright Society of Australia, and taught part-time as a postgraduate university law lecturer and professional examiner on intellectual property subjects. As a practising lawyer he advises clients working in a wide range of industries, particularly medical and healthcare, biotechnology, wine, retail, sports, marketing and sponsorship, and ITC.

Leading cardiologist Professor John Beltrame brings a medical perspective to the board. He has degrees in both science and medicine, and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, the European Society of Cardiology, the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand. He is the Michell Professor of Medicine and the Cardiology Academic Lead for the Central Adelaide Local Health Network.

Professor Peter Hewett is a Clinical Professor of Surgery with the Adelaide University Discipline of Surgery and is Head of Colorectal Surgery at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital. He has published more than 100 articles in peer reviewed journals and has held three NHMRC grants. Prof Hewett is also currently chairman of the Calvary North Adelaide Hospital Clinical Review Committee and teaches at the Adelaide University Masters Course in Minimally Invasive Surgery.

11

Luciana Larkin is the lead partner of Tregloans, an established and respected Chartered Accountancy practice. As a sharp and strategic thinker, she applies her expertise in financial, complex tax & business transactions to deliver effective outcomes. Luciana brings this professional expertise and strong focus on accountability & governance to the THRF Board together with experience as a trusted advisor to numerous other Corporate Boards and Not for Profit bodies. Luciana is a Chartered Accountant, Chartered Tax Adviser and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Dr Stephen Rodda is Chief Executive of UniSA Ventures Pty Ltd, the technology commercialisation and investment management arm of the University of South Australia. He was educated at the University of Adelaide gaining a first class honours degree, a PhD in Biochemistry and was awarded the University Medal. Subsequently he was awarded the prestigious CJ Martin and Arthritis Foundation fellowships for post-doctoral training at Harvard University. Dr Rodda has a combined 16 years of experience in the areas of scientific research, research management, technology commercialisation, investment management and corporate governance. Dr Rodda holds an MBA, is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has undertaken the Advanced Management Program (AMP) at the Harvard Business School.

John Woodward has more than 30 years’ experience in technology related change programs, projects and consulting services across industries including the health, water, energy, and entertainment sectors. John is Non-Executive Director at Statewide Super, an Elected Member (Councillor) with West Torrens City Council, and lectures at the University of Adelaide (Masters of Project Management). John holds an MBA specialising in technology management, is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees, and is a certified Project Management Professional through the Project Management Institute. John joined the THRF Board in 2013.

For the last 23 years MaryLou Bishop has run a surgical devices company selling highly technical operating room equipment into our largest hospitals across SA, WA and NT. MaryLou has a strong understanding of the medical world and the health industry. In 2014 MaryLou was elected a councillor to The Town of Walkerville. She joined THRF in 2014.

Ken Milne is the Director of Milne Architects Pty Ltd and adds a different aspect to the board. He received a Diploma of Architecture at the University of South Australia and is a Fellow of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. He is a Past President and former Chapter Councillor of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, he was National Chair of RAIA Public Affairs Committee & Awards Director. He was also a Board Member & Deputy Chair of the Rostrevor College for 10 years overseeing the formulation & introduction of the College Master Plan.

12

Valerie Timms has more than 19 years of experience in Adelaide’s competitive real estate industry. After only two years, Valerie was the number one sales person for a large franchise group and went on to run her own award winning office for nine years. Six years ago she created her own independent real estate company – Timms Real Estate. Valerie is a skilled coach and mentor within the property sector and is dedicated to serving the community and helping others achieve business success.

Brigadier Alison Creagh CSC (Ret’d) is a Non-Executive Director of THRF, Vice Chair of the Board of Governors for The Repat Foundation - The Road Home, a Council Member on the Australian War Memorial Council, Vice Chair of the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Project, and a member of the ACT Defence Industry Advisory Board. Brigadier Creagh retired from the Australian Regular Army in 2015 after a 30 year career and continues to serve in the Army Reserve. Alison is an Adjunct Lecturer and Postgraduate Research Student at the UNSW Canberra in Cyber Security.

Paul Flynn (Chief Executive) is an innovative and entrepreneurial Executive who has earned a stellar reputation for achievement during a multifaceted career in both the Finance and Not for Profit sectors. He has been acknowledged for his contribution by being a previous recipient of the Ernst & Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year in SA/NT and was also previously awarded the Equity Trustees Australian CEO Award for Innovation. Paul is passionate about the opportunity to help medical and scientific researchers in their important voyage of discovery which will benefit all Australians. Paul brings advanced skills to THRF in the areas of Leadership, Sales Management, Property Development and Management, Change Management, Financial Risk Management, Employee and Organisation Development and Employee Relations. He is delighted to be working with the team at THRF as well as Hospitals and Universities, contributing to the health and wellbeing of all Australians.

Air-Vice Marshal Brent Espeland AM (Deceased) enjoyed a career in the Royal Australian Air Force spanning 36 years. He was an experienced commander, having held unit and formation command twice as well as having tenure as the Air Officer Commanding Training Command and Deputy Chief of Air Force. His final military service position was on secondment to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Once retired, he was National President of the Australian Flying Corps and Royal Australian Air Force Association, past National President and South Australian President of the Royal United Services Institute of Australia, a Director of the Sir Richard Williams Foundation, a member of the Department of Veterans Affairs Round Table, a member of the Air Force Heritage Advisory Committee and was especially pleased to serve as a member of the National Council of the Australian Air Force Cadets.

He was also actively involved as a founding and steering group member of the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations. More recently, following the merger of The Repat Foundation with THRF he became Chair of the Board of Governors and a Board Member of those respective organisations, and in June 2016 was appointed Chair of the Veterans’ Advisory Council to the South Australian Government.

Air-Vice Marshal Espeland was a major contributor for the fabric of our community and is sorely missed.

13

14

Our Ambassadors We could not continually achieve what we do without the support of our Ambassadors. It’s these passionate individuals who help us strive for impact, advocate for the organisation and tirelessly work with us to raise awareness of world-leading health and medical research and the benefits to our community.

A special thanks in 2016/17 to our Ambassadors:

• Alex Vakitsidis

• Jenni Eyles

• Bree May

• Rilka Warbanoff

• Tania Pradun

Top right to left: Bree May, Tania Pradun at her Longest Table event and Rilka Warbanoff. Below:

Alex Vakitsidis and her Olympic Spirit Greek Friends

15

Ambassador Jenni Eyles.

16

Financials In 2016/17, The Hospital Research Foundation contributed $9,600,000 to lifesaving medical research and patient care activities in our hospitals. Thank you for your support!

This year, $2,400,000 was allocated directly to the Association’s Research Reserve, which has been established to ensure sufficient funds are available for forward grant commitments.

Researcher Sarah Bernhardt from the Breast Biology and Cancer Unit at the Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research.

17

Your committee members submit the summarised financial report of The Hospital Research Foundation Incorporated for the financial year ended 30 June 2017.

Committee Members The names of the committee members throughout the financial year and at the date of this report are:

Committee members have been in office since the start of the financial year to the date of this report unless otherwise stated.

The principal activity of The Hospital Research Foundation Incorporated during the financial year was to support the continued research across South Australia through vital health and medical research, and improved patient care.

No significant changes in the nature of activities occurred during the financial year.

The net surplus from continuing operations after income tax and payments for research, hospital support and patient care activities of $9,601,398 (2016: $5,118,967) was a profit of $2,438,038 (2016: $2,090,595).

This profit of $2,438,038 has been allocated directly to the Association’s Research Reserve which has been established to ensure sufficient funds are available for forward grant commitments. This represents a Funds to Research Ratio of 85% of Gross Profit.

The Association has established a Research Reserve to ensure that sufficient funds are available for future grant commitments.

No matters or circumstances have arisen since the end of the financial year which significantly affected or may significantly affect the operations of the Association, the results of those operations, or the state of affairs of the Association in future financial years.

The Association expects to maintain the present status and level of operations and hence there are no likely developments in the Association’s operations.

The Association’s operations are not regulated by any environmental regulation under a law of the Commonwealth or of a state territory.

A premium has been paid in respect of a contract insuring directors, secretaries and executive officers of the Association against a liability incurred as director, secretary or executive officer.

No indemnities have been given during or since the end of the financial year, for any person who is or has been an officer or auditor of the Association.

Summarised Financial ReportFor The Year Ended 30 June 2017ABN 86 248 830 078

John MacPhail Ken MilneProf John Beltrame Melinda OLearyDr Stephen RoddaBrigadier Alison Creagh CSC (Ret’d)Luciana Larkin

REPORT BY THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017

Principal Activities

Significant Changes

Operating Result

Research Reserve

Events After the Reporting Period

Future Developments

Environmental Issues

Idenifying Officers of Auditors

Prof Peter Hewett John Woodward Valerie Timms MaryLou Bishop Air-Vice Marshal Brent Espeland AM (Ret’d) (deceased 29 September 2017)

18

No person has applied for leave of Court to bring proceedings on behalf of the Association or intervene in any proceedings to which the Association is a party for the purpose of taking responsibility on behalf of the Association for all or any of those proceedings.

The Association was not a party to any such proceedings during the year.

In the opinion of the Committee of The Hospital Research Foundation Incorporated:

a) During the year ended 30 June 2017 no:

i) officer of the Association;

ii) firm of which the officer is a member; or

iii) body corporate in which the officer has a substantial financial interest,

has received or become entitled to receive a benefit as a result of a contract between the officer, firm or body corporate and the Association; and

b) During the year ended 30 June 2017 no officer of the Association received directly or indirectly from the Association any payment or other benefit of a pecuniary value, other than as disclosed in note 9 to the attached financial statements.

This statement is made in accordance with a resolution of the Committee and is signed for and on behalf of that Committee by:

In the opinion of the Committee:

a) The summarised financial statements comprising the Summarised Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income, Summarised Statement of Financial Position, Summarised Statement of Cash Flows and Summarised Statement of Changes in Equity and accomanying notes as set out on pages 4 to 10:

i) company with Australian Accounting Standards, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board and the Associations Incorporation Aict (SA) 1985;

ii) presents fairly the financial position of The Hospital Research Foundation Incorporated as at 30 June 2017 and its performance for the year ended on that date;

iii) are consistent with the full consolidated financial statement of the Association for the year ended 30 June 2017.

b) At the date of this statement there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Association will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable.

This statement is made in accordance with a resolution of the Committee and is signed for and on behalf of that Committee by:

Melinda OLearyChairperson

Melinda OLearyChairperson

John MacPhailDeputy Chairperson

John MacPhailDeputy Chairperson

Proceedings on Behalf of the Association

STATEMENT BY THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE

19

Consolidated2017

$

2016

$Revenue 32,139,043 18,905,899

Lottery expense (17,286,103) (8,868,344)Fundraising expenses (691,871) (1,132,923)Gross Profit 14,161,069 8,904,632

Employee benefits expense (1,599,091) (1,329,881)Depreciation and amortisation expense - administration (106,362) (54,907)Business Administration (416,180) (310,282)Net profit before funding payments 12,039,436 7,209,562

Funds paid for research, hospital support and patient care activities (9,601,398) (5,118,967)

Profit/(loss) for the year 2,438,038 2,090,595

Income tax benefit/(expense) - -Profit/(loss) after tax 2,438,038 2,090,595

Other comprehensive incomeItems that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss Net gain/(loss) on revaluation of financial assets 239,671 88,652Gain on acquisition of subsidiary - 442,569

Other comprehensive income for the year 239,671 531,221

Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year 2,677,709 2,621,816

The above statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

SUMMARISED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017

20

Consolidated2017

$

2016

$ASSETSCurrent AssetsCash and Cash Equivalents 15,751,336 7,681,025Trade and Other Receivables 212,097 340,614Other Current Assets 3,077,613 3,048,676Total Current Assets 19,041,046 11,070,315

Non-Current AssetsFinancial Assets 4,797,316 4,276,728Property, Plant and Equipment 3,020,882 2,219,800Intangibles 82,756 119,908Total Non-Current Assets 7,900,954 6,616,436Total Assets 26,942,000 17,686,751

LIABILITIESCurrent LiabilitiesTrade and Other Payables 11,024,252 4,472,257Provisions 223,352 121,189Total Current Liabilities 11,247,604 4,593,446

Non-Current LiabilitiesProvisions 23,015 99,633Total Non-Current Liabilities 23,015 99,633Total Liabilities 11,270,619 4,693,079

Net Assets 15,671,381 12,993,672

EQUITYRetained Earnings 1,535,576 1,535,576Financial Asset Reserve 904,272 664,601Research Reserve 13,231,533 10,793,495Total Equity 15,671,381 12,993,672

The above statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

SUMMARISED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2017

21

Consolidated2017

$

2016

$Cash flow from operating activitiesCash receipts from customers and clients 5,184,768 6,314,348Cash receipts from lotteries 27,096,734 12,641,103Payments in relation to lotteries (17,286,103) (8,844,219)

Payments to suppliers and employees (1,682,465) (3,538,160)Grants paid (4,459,979) (5,029,696)Investment income 263,986 225,875Interest received 158,365 107,418Net cash outflow from operating activities 9,275,306 1,876,669

Cash flows from investing activitiesNet Sale/(Purchase) of investments (280,917) (208,392)Cash gained on acquisition of subsidiary - 88,350Purchase of property, plant and equipment (909,647) (149,772)Purchase of intangibles (30,143) (126,826)Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 15,712 -Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities (1,204,995) (396,640)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 8,070,311 1,480,029Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 7,681,025 6,200,996Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 15,751,336 7,681,025

The above statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

SUMMARISED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW AS AT 30 JUNE 2017

22

Tel: +61 8 7324 6000 Fax: +61 8 7324 6111 www.bdo.com.au

Level 7, BDO Centre 420 King William St Adelaide SA 5000 GPO Box 2018, Adelaide SA 5001 AUSTRALIA

BDO Audit (SA) Pty Ltd ABN 33 161 379 086 is a member of a national association of independent entities which are all members of BDO (Australia) Ltd ABN 77 050 110 275, an Australian company limited by guarantee. BDO Audit (SA) Pty Ltd and BDO (Australia) Ltd are members of BDO International Ltd, a UK company limited by guarantee, and form part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation (other than for the acts or omissions of financial services licensees).

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR ON THE SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HOSPITAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION INCORPORATED

Opinion

The summary financial statements, which comprise the consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 June 2017, the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, are derived from the audited financial report of The Hospital Research Foundation Incorporated for the year ended 30 June 2017.

In our opinion, the accompanying summarised financial statements are consistent, in all material respects, with the audited financial report, on the basis described in the summary.

Summarised Financial Statements

The summarised financial statements do not contain all the disclosures required by Australian Accounting Standards and the financial reporting requirements of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012. Reading the summarised financial statements and the auditor's report thereon, therefore, is not a substitute for reading the audited financial report and the auditor's report thereon.

The Audited Financial Report and Our Report Thereon

We expressed an unmodified audit opinion on the audited financial report in our report dated 3 November 2017.

Committee Members’ Responsibility for the Summarised Financial Statements

The Committee Members are responsible for the preparation of the summarised financial statements on the basis described in the summary.

Auditor's Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on whether the summarised financial statements are consistent, in all material respects, with the audited financial report based on our procedures, which were conducted in accordance with Auditing Standard ASA 810 Engagements to Report on Summary Financial Statements.

BDO Audit (SA) Pty Ltd

Paul Gosnold Director

Adelaide, 3 November 2017

23

24

Saving Lives through ResearchEach year The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) proudly provides financial support to vital medical and clinical research teams and individuals whose endeavours translate into improved treatments and healthcare outcomes for the Australian community.

This year, we have grown our impact and expanded our South Australian footprint to deliver more advancements to patient care and save more lives through world-class medical research.

25

In 2016/17, thanks to your kind support we have been able to fund the following research projects and patient care activities:

$2.7 million to lifesaving research at the Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital.We are delighted to announce $2.7 million has been awarded to researchers at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (TQEH) and the Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research (BHI), which is THRF’s largest grant round at these facilities to date. This includes our inaugural Basil Hetzel Translational Grant of $750,000, in memory of Dr Basil Hetzel AC.

The Basil Hetzel Translational GrantThis grant is designed to support high community impact, “shovel ready” projects that have a high likelihood of translating into improved therapy, care or cure within three years from the start of the grant.

Professor John Beltrame, Associate Professor Christopher Zeitz and Professor Bertil Lindahl were the successful recipients of our inaugural translational grant for $750,000 with a research project that will impact the lives of those living with chest pain following a Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA).

You can read more about this world-first research on page 54.

Development GrantsTHRF’s Development Grants support researchers to undertake health and medical research at the proof-of-concept stage that specifically drives towards a commercial outcome within a foreseeable timeframe.

Professor Peter-John Wormald, Associate Professor Sarah Vreugde and Professor Clive Prestidge have secured a THRF Development Grant of $200,000 to provide relief for patients undergoing back surgery, a common procedure in Australia. When a person undergoes back surgery, there is often adhesion formation following it. This is an issue because these adhesions bind to the nerves that come out of the canal and that causes the patient to suffer from more pain then they were having pre-surgery. Prof Wormald and the team have developed a new treatment to prevent these adhesions from forming and this grant will allow them to progress their research into patients in a clinical trial. You can read more about this research on page 55.

Professor Eric Gowans, Dr Danushka Wijesundara and Professor Guy Maddern are the second research group to receive a 2017 THRF Development Grant of $200,000. This grant is enabling the team to progress the development of a new DNA vaccine for Hepatitis C (HCV), which affects over 175 million people worldwide. In Australia, there are approximately 230,000 HCV infected individuals and approximately 10,000 new infections each year, estimated to cost $252M per annum in health care costs.

26

$750,459 to lifesaving research at the Centre for Cancer BiologyThe Centre for Cancer Biology (CCB) is a Medical Research Institute which carries out a world-class program of innovative research, making breakthrough discoveries in the causes of cancer, and translating these discoveries into new ways to prevent and treat this group of diseases.

An alliance between SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, CCB boasts over 200 cancer researchers; currently hosting 22 full-time research group leaders and their teams.

Some of the projects THRF has been able to fund include:

• $100,459 to Dr Philip Gregory, Professor Greg Goodall and Associate Professor Simon Conn for their world-first pilot prostate cancer project looking at a new molecular pathway that is likely to control whether a prostate cell remains benign or becomes more aggressive and spreads.

• $75,000 to Professor Natasha Harvey for her work in exploring lymphatic vessels as a ‘highway’ for spreading cancer to other parts of the body.

• $75,000 to Associate Professor Yeesim Khew-Goodall for her project investigating new ways to overcome resistance to cancer therapy through a new signalling pathway.

$107,118 to the University of South Australia to support rural antenatal careThese funds have been used to establish THRF’s Healthy Newborn Project - Saving lives of mothers and babies through antenatal ultrasound in rural and remote Australia. Led by Dr Nayana Parange and Professor Eva Bezakat at the University of South Australia, this exciting project will conduct a needs-analysis research project across the country, as well as bring health professionals from remote South Australia to train them in antenatal ultrasound, a current method of patient care not available in many locations in rural Australia. This lifesaving project will help to build knowledge on the current status of antenatal ultrasound services in Australia and inform development of relevant clinical solutions to comply with best practice guidelines for rural and remote communities.

27

$735,000 to boost research and patient care at the Lyell McEwin HospitalWe’re delighted to have extended our impact to the diverse northern communities of Adelaide in an exciting new partnership with the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network.

Kick-starting this exciting partnership, we have been able to provide $90,000 in funding for a dedicated purpose-built audiology booth at the Lyell McEwin Hospital (LMH) for the first time.

The booth will be situated in the Outpatient Department at the LMH and will enable both adults and children to have their hearing assessed pre and post-surgery or treatments.

$80,000 for assisting South Australia to become a Translational State of Excellence The South Australian Academic Health Science and Translation Centre (the SA Centre) has brought together, in a whole-of-state collaborative network, the state’s academic, research and health care delivery agencies in order to advance translation of evidence into clinical care for improved health outcomes.

The SA Centre will focus on research, clinical services, education and training, helping to enhance South Australia’s reputation as an internationally recognised research destination. THRF is honoured to be its key sponsor.

$195,520 to much-needed support at the Central Adelaide Local Health Network Palliative Care UnitIn the 2016/17 year we were thrilled to support the Central Adelaide Local Health Network Palliative Care Unit at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, ensuring the team can provide the utmost care to patients and their families when they need it most.

The funds have been directed to four vital areas of service that the palliative care team provide – two brand new Toyota Yaris cars for the palliative care team to use to visit clients in the comfort of their own home, an art therapy program, special mattresses and compression clothing for lymphedema patients.

FellowshipsThis year, we were delighted to award Fellowships to three outstanding researchers to conduct life-changing research at the BHI.

28

Dr Danielle Taylor, our 2017 Mid-Career Fellow has been granted $420,000 across three years to conduct research that will ensure people in our community can live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives. Dr Taylor will join Professor Renuka Visvanathan’s research group and her research complements work being undertaken as part of the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Frailty and Healthy Ageing. This research will aim to understand the influence of environmental factors, as enablers or barriers to healthy ageing.

Dr Ashish Shrestha, one of our two Early-Career Fellows will relocate from the University of Queensland to the Virology Research Group at the BHI with a fellowship of $360,000 across three years. Dr Shrestha was awarded his PhD from the University of Queensland in September 2016 and his research and expertise include medical microbiology, public health and health services. His research will firstly develop a universal Hepatitis C vaccine to target the most common HCV genotypes and also examine the ability of the vaccine to help prevent ZIKA virus.

Dr Vasilios (Bill) Panagopoulos, our second Early-Career Fellows, will be supported by THRF with $360,000 across three years to continue his lifesaving breast cancer research. During his PhD under the supervision of Professor Andreas Evdokiou and Dr Mark deNichilo, Dr Panagopoulos made an important discovery, demonstrating for the first time that a group of proteins called peroxidases promotes breast cancer spread and metastasis. His research will now test a specific peroxidase blocker currently being investigated in other settings, which has not been previously contemplated for cancer therapy.

29

Research Equipment Advanced medical equipment is essential to providing researchers with the best possible tools to conduct their lifesaving research.

In 2016/17 The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) contributed funds to purchase the following equipment:

• $250,000 to purchase a 3D Histech Pannoramic confocal scanner to enable Professor Doug Brooks from the University of South Australia School of Pharmacy and Medical Science and his team to improve early detection of prostate cancer to ultimately save lives from the heartbreaking disease.

• $71,495 for a Tissue Processor and Embedding station at the BHI, which will be used by multiple groups to achieve their research goals. This piece of equipment expands the ability for researchers to study cells and tissues and also complements the BHI’s ‘state of the art’ microscopy equipment. Having the tissue processor onsite allows for specialised protocols for different tissues, such as mammary tissue (in breast cancer research) which can be notoriously difficult to fix and cut neat tissue sections in a research setting.

• $41,475 for an Anaerobic Chamber at the BHI to help Dr Sam Costello set up Australia’s first public stool bank. This will help form a new affiliate brand for THRF, BiomeBank, which will assist in faecal transplantation for patients living with severe and debilitating gut conditions.

• $34,138 for two refrigerated centrifuges and two microcentrifuges, replacing old and broken equipment to enable researchers to conduct their lifesaving work.

• $25,150 for InBody 570 Analyser to allow the Healthy Ageing research group at the BHI and TQEH to conduct body composition analysis to help with their studies into sarcopenia, physical activity and frailty.

• $20,000 for Flexible Arm VivaScope 2500, enhancing imaging capabilities at the BHI. This new technology will strengthen the work on cancer diagnostics and the development of innovative cancer therapies, two important fields of research in which Professor Michael Roberts has collaborations with the Centre for Cancer Biology with Associate Professor Claudine Bonder and TQEH with Dr Warren Weightman.

• $10,040 for AutoMACS proseparator at the BHI, allowing researchers to separate and sort particular cells from within a large complex population. Those cells can then be analysed or cultured further without the ‘background noise’ from the other cell types found within tissue.

30

We are committed to supporting life-changing research in a variety of areas aimed at improving care for you and your loved ones.

To achieve this, The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) group consists of a number of affiliate brands that we operate from our head office in Woodville, South Australia. This successful model allows us to reduce administration costs across all brands. THRF’s commercial activities also cover these costs which enables 100% of all donor’s money to be used in the way they intended.

In the 2016/17 year, our affiliate brands continued to strive for impact, saving lives and improving the health and wellbeing of our community. On the next few pages, you can read about a selection of these highlights during 2016/17.

Our Affiliate Brands

31

Australian Breast Cancer Research Australian Breast Cancer Research (ABCR) is passionate about supporting research that is focused on the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.

Prevention Associate Professor Wendy Ingman and her team at the Breast Biology and Cancer Unit at the BHI are focused on gaining a better understanding of breast cancer risk factors and how these can be targeted to reduce a woman’s risk of this disease.

With numerous projects underway in 2016/17, A/Prof Ingman’s research team have been investigating the window of breast cancer risk that opens up during a woman’s menstrual cycle and how pregnancy affects diagnosis. She is also leading research into the link between high breast density and increased breast cancer risk and why this occurs in order to reduce this risk for women.

Treatment Professor Andreas Evdokiou leads the Breast Cancer Research Unit at the BHI who continue to investigate new ways of stopping the spread of breast cancer and targeting and treating breast cancer that has spread to other areas of the body, such as the bone.

Amongst other projects this year, this research team are currently collaborating with researchers in the Netherlands on the production of a gel substance as a new cancer treatment for inoperable breast cancer. Sometimes the tumour can’t be surgically removed because it is next to a crucial structure or patients are too fragile to handle radiotherapy and chemotherapy and this gel would be an alternative option.

32

Australian Prostate Cancer One in five men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the time they’re 85-years-old.

Australian Prostate Cancer (APC) proudly supports researchers at the BHI who are fighting prostate cancer. This year, Dr Irene Zinonos became part of a collaborative world-first prostate cancer research project led by the University of Adelaide’s Associate Professor Lisa Butler, aiming to help quickly identify life-threatening cases of prostate cancer, compared with cancer that may not require treatment.

Through this research the team are hoping to develop a test that could determine whether a prostate cancer tumour is going to be aggressive or not. This would help doctors decide if a patient needs radical therapies or can choose a less aggressive treatment pathway.

APC is also proud to continue supporting the South Australian Prostate Cancer Clinical Outcome Collaborative (SA-PCCOC), a database that follows men with prostate cancer treated at three major hospitals in South Australia.

Utilising this SA-PCCOC database, vital research is underway examining survival outcomes in men who have a family history of prostate cancer and comparing this to those without a family history.

33

Australian Heart Research With heart disease being one of the biggest killers of Australians, Australian Heart Research (AHR) is determined to improve heart health and beat heart disease through advances in knowledge and research.

This year, with the support of AHR in partnership with THRF, Professor John Beltrame is leading a world-first study looking at understanding and treating patients who are living with chest pain following an ‘unexplained heart attack’. Labelling the newly diagnosed condition ‘Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries’ (MINOCA), Prof Beltrame and his team are evaluating if two standard heart attack treatments alleviate the recurrent chest pain experienced by patients with MINOCA. Read more on page 54.

Also supported by AHR in 2016/17, Dr Doan Ngo conducted world-first research into a protein they have confirmed correlates with the natural process of the heart increasing in size as we age. A promising breakthrough in heart research, Dr Ngo and her team’s discovery could lead to a new method for testing a patient’s risk of heart failure.

34

Kidney, Transplant and Diabetes Research Australia Did you know around 1.7 million Australians are living with diabetes and one in three people are at risk of being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in their lifetime?

Kidney, Transplant and Diabetes Research Australia (KTDRA) was established to improve outcomes for patients living with these chronic conditions and ultimately find a cure for them.

With the support of KTDRA, Professor Toby Coates and his world-class team at the Royal Adelaide Hospital have made some incredible breakthroughs in diabetes research this year. The team has been developing a 3D printer which would have the ability to print insulin-producing islet cells as a potential treatment for type 1 diabetes. Read more on page 57.

As you may know, islet transplantation advanced by the KTDRA team has recently revolutionised treatment for type 1 diabetes, and in many cases has cured people of the chronic condition they’ve been living with for decades.

Work is also underway looking at the effectiveness of transplanting islet cells into artificial skin as a potential treatment for type 1 diabetes.

35

The Road Home The Road Home (TRH) raises awareness and funds to support health and wellbeing research and programs into conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress for our nation’s veterans, emergency service personnel and their families. Originally established as Foundation Daw Park in 1995 and then The Repat Foundation, the organisation came under THRF in 2015 after the South Australian government announced its intention to close the Repatriation General Hospital. THRF launched TRH as a leading national veterans’ health and wellbeing research organisation and aligned with the government’s proposed $15 million Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Centre of Excellence.

Built on the world-leading independent research supported by The Repat Foundation over the last 20 years, TRH drives this forward to aid the health and wellbeing of veterans, emergency service personnel and their families on a national scale.

In 2016/17 TRH has grown from strength to strength. In April 2017, we announced the outcome of TRH’s 2017 grant round, providing funding for three research projects into the health and wellbeing of veterans, emergency service personnel and their families.

• Professor Sharon Lawn from Flinders University was the successful recipient of Prabha Seshadri Grant for $60,000, for her project titled: Living vicariously with PTSD: how partners experience and can better support those who are exposed to traumatic events in the course of their work.

• Dr Amy Baker from the University of South Australia was one of the successful recipients of a 2017 Grant of $50,000 for her one year project titled: Help-seeking for mental health concerns by emergency service first responders.

• Dr Leanne Glenny, from the University of South Australia was the second successful recipient of a 2017 Grant of $50,000 for the one year project titled: Empowerment through language: Achieving positive health outcomes for trauma affected veterans and first responders.

The research we have been able to fund through TRH is a vital part of understanding the incidence, the causes and the best treatment models for our wounded veterans and servicemen and women to ensure we start to tackle suicide rates and improve health outcomes for those who serve our community.

Expanding on its art program for veterans, in 2016/17, TRH officially launched its Wellbeing Program, a framework for delivery of wellbeing services to our veterans and emergency service personnel in need, as well as their families. The program supports servicemen and women and their families’ transition from service and/or injury to the next stage of life through a peer support community and wellbeing activities including art and art therapy. The program will provide pathways for training, employment and meaningful volunteering options, referrals to appropriate health and care agencies for injuries, adjunct therapies (including art and art therapy) rehabilitation and recovery programs, community engagement and life skills to support wellbeing.

As part of this, TRH also launched its Invictus Pathways Program, in collaboration with the University of South Australia. We are the first in Australia to have a program specifically designed to provide support and tailored facilities needed for wounded veterans who are aspiring to compete in the Invictus Games. The Invictus Pathways Program provides struggling veterans with something to work towards and a purpose to give them direction, aid in their mental health and encourage them to be active and participate within society.

36

37

Thank you to the generous individuals who made the decision to leave a gift in their Will to The Hospital Research Foundation. For many people, giving their estate, part of their estate, or a specific gift is an opportunity to give a significant contribution to an organisation they care about and respect. A gift in your Will, large or small, is an effective way of providing a lasting legacy for future generations.

We thank the following people for leaving a gift to enable us to support more lifesaving medical research and patient care in the 2016/17 year:

• Anthony Cliburn

• Betty Pelton

• Darryl Smith

• Edur Aomagi

• Eleanor Adams

• Elizabeth van Eldik

• John Bates

• John Sheard

• John Skewes

• Joy Mitchell

• Keith Hams

• Lawrie Cunningham

• Leslie Williams

• Margaret Phillips

• Michael Edmondson

• Pam Bowen

• Reginald & Doris Wait Trust

• Roland Jones

• Sheila Hope

• Trevor Hall

We also thank the following people for leaving a gift in their Will to enable lifesaving breast cancer research through our affiliate Australian Breast Cancer Research:

• Ian Mitchell

• Lawrence Nonis

• Mackersey Gibson

• Maureen Monson

Thank You to our Life Guardians

38

It was the biggest year yet for the Hospital Research Home Lottery. For the first time we held three lotteries over a financial year, with each selling out in record time!

We’re blown away by the community’s support, enabling us to expand our footprint across South Australia. It’s because of you we’ve been able to direct an incredible amount to lifesaving research and patient care in South Australian hospitals.

Thank you to Scott Salisbury Homes for their ongoing relationship with our lottery, ensuring we can offer premium Grand Prize homes, which are truly aspirational.

2016 Henley Beach The second half of 2016 saw the Hospital Research Home Lottery offer up a stunning Scott Salisbury Homes Henley Beach Grand Prize Home and $250,000 cash - a total Grand Prize of $1.6 million!

You couldn’t wipe the smile off the faces of Grand Prize winners Catherine and Mario De Cristofaro (Ticket Number 12034) who now live only minutes from the beautiful beach, the bustling Henley Square and have their very own pool to enjoy.

Purchasing tickets in this lottery gave buyers a 1 in 12 chance of winning 6,535 prizes!

2017 Somerton Park We kicked off 2017 with a bang, launching the first Hospital Research Home Lottery of the year with a Grand Prize worth $1.8 million. The prize included a stunning Scott Salisbury Homes house in Somerton Park, only minutes from the foreshore, along with a Porsche Macans and $250,000 in cash!

Selling out in just a few weeks, the winners of the Grand Prize Lyle and Jade Wansbury (Ticket Number 015086) were blown away to receive the keys to their brand new home and car – truly setting them up for life!

This lottery offered a 1 in 12 chance of winning 7,404 prizes!

TennysoN In April 2017 we launched our second lottery offering up our biggest Grand Prize yet – a stunning Tennyson home, fully refurbished and renovated by Scott Salisbury Homes, a Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 Coupe and $500,000!

Selling out once again in only two weeks, the winner of this stunning beachside home Cyrus Santos (Ticket Number 097955) and wife Merridy along with their two daughters couldn’t wait to move into their dream home!

This was our first lottery to offer up not only the biggest cash prize yet, but also a 1 in 10 chance to win 10,545 prizes!

Hospital Research Home Lottery

39

Thank you to all who bought tickets in our three lotteries this year, and a big congratulations to the lucky winners! Your support truly makes lifesaving medical research and patient care projects a reality.

40

Our Under Our Roof project provides much needed accommodation to country cancer patients and their families to stay together while receiving treatment at hospitals including The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Travelling away from home and normal support networks for treatment is often a patient’s second biggest stressor after a cancer diagnosis. Our two Under Our Roof homes Mercer House and Bendigo Bank House are proudly named after two major sponsors of Mercer SuperCycle. They provide a welcoming, warm and safe environment for families to stay at a crucial time – each home has two living areas, two bathrooms and can sleep up to six people. They also are free of charge to patient’s covered by the Country Health South Australia’s PATS scheme, or a low cost to patients ineligible for this scheme. This removes the financial burden for patients and their families at this difficult time in their lives.

In 2016/17, our current Under Our Roof homes were occupied for 89 per cent of the year seeing patients and their families travel from 18 different country towns.

The need for providing accommodation for families has been undeniable. In 2018, thanks to the incredible ongoing support of Mercer SuperCycle, we will open our next accommodation as

part of this project, a brand new, three-bedroom apartment in Bowden, close to the city and public transport. We are so excited to continue to build on this essential project, providing a home away from home for those who need it most.

under our roof

Total number of Occupied Days

july 2016/june 2017 – 325 days (89%).

Image above: Loving mother Francesca from Ceduna stayed in one of our homes while undergoing breast cancer treatment. Pictured here with her two-year-old daughter and mother, Johanna.

41

42

The Longest TableIt was a record year for The Longest Table (TLT) with more hosts than ever before raising vital funds for cancer research. We were overwhelmed with the number of hosts participating to #forkcancer across the country!

A huge thanks to our major partners, including:• Adelaide Farmers’ Market

• asbCreative Professional Photography• Big Shed Brewing• Colourblind Films• Flowers Everywhere• G-Fresh• Goodies and Grains• Hentley Farm• Romeo’s• T Bar• Wine Direct

In an incredible effort from over 220 hosts, TLT raised over $230,000 for cancer research.

TLT welcomed Participating Venues throughout Adelaide where hosts could choose to hold their dinner. A big thanks to our Participating Venues for their support and involvement, including:• Assaggio Ristorante• Café Salsa • Club Marion• Coopers Ale House – Gepps Cross• Hotel Richmond• Jack Ruby• La Boca Bar and Grill• Nine 50 Restaurant and Bar• Panacea• Promenade Restaurant• Saracens Head Hotel• The Bridgewater Mill

• The Colonist

• The Maid

• Watermark Glenelg

A huge thank you to our amazing group of TLT Ambassadors, who generously donated their time to help us spread the word and get people on board to #forkcancer. A sincere thanks to:

• Bree May – Food According to Bree• Hayley and Lauren – Adelady • Jenni Eyles – Styling Curvy

• Rilka Warbanoff – Rilka’s Kitchen• Tim and Kyle – My Kitchen Rules 2017

We were blown away by the passion of so many of our hosts, sharing their stories with us about the impact cancer has on their lives, showing the need for vital cancer research. One of our top fundraisers, Rebecca De Cicco, hosted her Longest Table for her dad who is battling Multiple Myeloma.

“The Longest Table was a way for me to share my dad’s story and to draw and raise awareness for Multiple Myeloma, as it is so rare and generally not spoken about. It enabled me to bring together family and friends to discuss something we all needed to know more about, while supporting my father through this tough time. To me, a future free of cancer means I can share my life longer with those I love and create beautiful memories with them for as long as possible.”

Thank you to all of our wonderful hosts who held their Longest Tables this year and helped raise vital funds for cancer research. We saw an array of themes from Christmas in July to a Longest Grazing Table, the effort from our hosts showed us how determined they are to #forkcancer.

We are proud to say 100% of the funds raised go towards our researchers who are dedicated to saving lives from cancer by improving treatments and finding cures for this heartbreaking disease.

A special thank you is extended to our top fundraisers:

• Hayley and Lauren (G-Fresh and Adelady Dinner)• Lorelei Thomas (Lozza’s on Paiano)• Melanie Samsonenko (Ceduna Fighting Cancer)• SO Asher (McSteamy’s Longest Table)• Tim and Kyle (Tim and Kyle’s Longest Table)

fundraising and events

43

raised $230k+

Longest Table Ambassadors L-R: Rilka Warbanoff, Hayley Pearson, Tim Attwill, Jenni Eyles, Kylie McLean, Bree May and Lauren De Cesare.

44

Mercer SuperCycle – A Ride Like No OtherIt was another successful year for Mercer SuperCycle 2017 with 51 riders completing the cycling challenge though some of the best parts of South Australia along with a dedicated Support Crew. An incredible $405,000 was raised through their efforts, bringing a total of over $2 million raised by SuperCycle since their inception six years ago.

Third time SuperCyclist Stephen Brough from Mercer enjoys the experience of SuperCycle and describes it as a great way to “help others and make a difference to people’s lives in a meaningful way.”

“The best thing about Mercer SuperCycle is seeing direct results of the fundraising, how this impacts on cancer patients and hearing how the accommodation has changed their lives firsthand,” Stephen said.“Knowing the work that you’ve done on the bike has a direct benefit to cancer patients is a great feeling and meeting those living in rural areas and talking about what we are doing helps you get through the long days. The whole experience from the moment you start training to the time you ride into Adelaide will not be forgotten.”

This event would not be possible without our Mercer SuperCycle Major Event sponsors, thank you to Mercer and Bendigo Bank, as well as all our riders, Support Crew members, donors and the incredible SuperCycle Inc. Board for their tireless efforts to ensure this major fundraising event runs smoothly each year.

Thank you to the top fundraising teams of Mercer SuperCycle for their incredible efforts:

• Mercer

• ioMerino

• SA Power Networks Employee Foundation and DMAW Lawyers

• Dr Jones and Partners Medical Imaging

• Badge

raised $405k+

45

A Thank you to our Supporters – Basil Hetzel Society LuncheonOn Thursday 3 November 2016, The Hospital Research Foundation hosted an annual lunch for a group of our valued supporters who are dedicated to raising vital funds for medical research.

The Basil Hetzel Society Luncheon, once again hosted at the Kooyonga Golf Club, is a great way to thank our supporters for their continuous support and vital contributions towards lifesaving medical research, improving the lives of everyday people.

Providing exciting developments in research was an exceptional panel who shared with our guests where their donations are going and most importantly, the impact our supporters are making towards medical research each time they donate.

Our panel consisted of researchers from the BHI, including Dr Doan Ngo from the Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Therapeutics Group, Associate Professor Wendy Ingman from the Breast Biology and Cancer Unit and Dr Nicky Thomas from the ENT Surgery Unit.

We would like to thank our loyal supporters who have been connected to THRF for many years and congratulate them on their contribution towards medical research to ultimately save lives and improve patient care.

46

We are so grateful for all our community supporters who raised vital funds for The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) and our affiliate brands. These are only some of the highlights from the 2016/17 year.

community support

47

A Special Day for an Annual Christmas TraditionContinuing her incredible fundraising efforts for THRF, our passionate Ambassador Alexandra (Alex) Vakitsidis and her group, the Olympic Spirit Greek Friends (OSGF) partnered with the City of Charles Sturt and the Ethnic Schools Association of SA on Sunday December 4 2016, and raised over $14,000 - an amazing effort!

The Multicultural Children’s Christmas Celebration was held at the Woodville Town Hall and attended by over 100 people. The funds raised helped purchase a piece of equipment for the Ear Nose and Throat research team at the BHI.

Thank you to all of the wonderful performers and attendees who came along and donated on the night, event partners City of Charles Sturt and Ethnic Schools Association of SA and also our Ambassador Alex for her continuous fundraising efforts throughout the year.

Trekking the Kokoda Trail for a Loving NanaTHRF is very grateful for the support of community fundraiser David Lloyd, who this year helped raise vital funds for our affiliate brand Australian Breast Cancer Research (ABCR). Raising over $1,000 David’s fundraising efforts were for his beautiful Nana Kate Harkins, who battled breast cancer and fortunately won her fight against this heartbreaking disease.

Trekking the Kokoda trail has always been on David’s bucket list and in 2016 he embarked on his journey, dedicating it to his beloved Nana.

“I watched my Nana battle and defeat breast cancer so I wanted to do something special for her. I decided to dedicate the walk to her while raising funds for ABCR,” David said.

Image left: David and his Nana.

Fundraising Towards Research that Saved his LifeWhen diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, a form of kidney disease, Lawrence Staveley fought against the disease until his kidneys began to fail and dialysis became inevitable. Since receiving a lifechanging kidney transplant, Lawrence has been passionate about giving back to the people who made his transplant possible.

It’s for this reason he raised an incredible $900 for transplantation research for our affiliate Kidney, Transplant and Diabetes Research Australia (KTDRA) by auctioning off a limited edition video game on eBay.

“After having my transplant I felt like I had to do something to give back. I’m very happy to support the work of KTDRA researchers, without it and others like it around the globe, both now and in the past, I probably wouldn’t be here today.”

48

Melbourne Cup Calcutta in Memory of Adam DixonOn Saturday October 29 2016, over 250 people attended a unique fundraising event – a Melbourne Cup Calcutta in Memory of Adam Dixon, raising close to $30,000 for vital transplantation research through KTDRA.

Held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Adelaide, the event was hosted by Fiona and Matthew Dixon and David Lewis in memory of their son and nephew Adam Dixon who tragically passed away as a result of a car accident in 2014.

“Adam was such a bright and beautiful soul in life and then so generous in death. His lungs, kidneys, liver and pancreas were donated and changed the lives of five different recipients through transplantation,” his mother Fiona said.

Guests on the night feasted on a three course meal and enjoyed a silent auction where all funds were directed to KTDRA.

Professor Toby Coates and his team extend a warm thank you to Fiona, Matthew, David and their family for their support ensuring vital transplantation research will continue saving the lives of people suffering chronic conditions, such as kidney disease and diabetes.

“We are extremely humbled and grateful to the Dixon family and David Lewis for holding this wonderful event in Adam’s memory and helping to raise the profile of organ donation and funds for transplant research,” Prof Coates said.

Image left: Fiona and Matthew Dixon.

Orthopaedic Ward Goes Pink for Breast Cancer!Earlier this year we received an amazing donation of over $500 from the Orthopaedic Ward at the Valley Private Hospital in Victoria! A wonderful effort with 100 per cent of the donations going directly to breast cancer research through ABCR.

“Each year in October the Hospital encourages us to decorate our ward in pink with the intention of bringing awareness to breast cancer research. Last year our ward, the Florey Ward, decided to do our own fundraiser,” said team member Gabi Rogan.

“Our plan was to raise $200 by simply asking people and staff to donate loose change. If we managed to reach $100 then our Florey Ward Unit Manager offered to dress up in a pink tutu for the day, and if we reached $200 our Physiotherapist agreed to wear a pink money onesie outfit.

“As our funds were growing fast we roped in our CEO and other unit managers began to get involved and agreed to dress pink for a day if we reached $500!”

A warm thank you is extended the Orthopaedic Ward team at the Valley Private Hospital.

49

CORPORATE SUPPORT Ongoing Support from Drakes SupermarketsThe Hospital Research Foundation was grateful to be a recipient of $22,268.19 for health and medical research thanks to the invaluable support of Drakes Supermarkets, their suppliers and of course the South Australian community.

Once again, this incredible amount was raised through the annual sale of Drakes Supermarkets Charity Show Bags.

Drakes Supermarkets CEO Roger Drake and wife Wendy have been producing this show bag for 18 years, an incredible effort throughout the years thanks to the continuous generosity of South Australian local suppliers.

Finding a Cure TogetherWe were thrilled to begin an exciting new partnership for Australian Breast Cancer Research at the beginning of 2017, joining forces with the passionate team behind Australian business G-Fresh!

From February, G-Fresh began selling their herbs, spices and seasonings with pink packaging and donating part proceeds towards vital breast cancer research through ABCR.

“We want to find a cure for this horrible disease. While recognising that this is a big dream, we’re excited to work with ABCR in the prevention, detection and management of breast cancer in Australian women. We think it’s so important to keep making improvements to the quality of life for patients during their journey of treatment,” said Peter, Simon and Theo, Directors of g-fresh.

“Throughout our journey, we’ve always supported various charities. We’re now in a position to support a much larger cause. We decided to support an initiative, which has touched many members of our team.”

THRF is grateful for the support from G-Fresh and we look forward to an ongoing partnership with the team.

50

In the 2016/17 year The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) was featured in the media on a number of occasions, showcasing the exciting work of researchers, and the commitment of the community in raising vital funds for health and medical research and patient care in our hospitals. Some of these outcomes included:

Mercer SuperCycleIn September 2016, SA Life ran an editorial feature on Mercer SuperCycle, promoting registrations for the 2017 ride. During the ride in 2017, stories were featured on ABC Online and in the Yorke Peninsula Country Times, the Barossa Light Herald and the Northern Argus. Some of the SuperCyclists also appeared on radio along their journey, chatting with Tribe FM in Willunga, Radio Adelaide and Flow FM in Wallaroo.

Superbugs ResearchIn September 2016, Channel 9 featured a story coordinated by THRF on Dr Nicky Thomas at the BHI and his work on Superbugs and antibiotic resistance.

Back Pain ResearchIn June 2017, The Advertiser published a story on Page 10 of their Saturday paper announcing THRF’s development grant. This exciting research is set to lead to a clinical trial for patients experiencing chronic pain after surgery.

Breast Density ResearchIn collaboration with the University of Adelaide in January 2017, THRF coordinated a media announcement around Associate Professor Wendy Ingman’s research in the breast density field. A/Prof Ingman published a paper demonstrating that inflammation is a driver of breast density and associated with breast cancer risk.

This exciting research outcome was then featured on ABC 89.1, FIVEaa, Radio National, including the Radio National Health Report, 2MCE Radio and gained international exposure on Deutsche Welle, Germany’s international broadcaster. This was broadcast on their technology radio programme, Spectrum, broadcast globally and heard in Australia via ABC Radio National on Sunday afternoon. The story also featured in print in The Advertiser on the 24th of January 2017, the ABC News 24 Health Report TV and also received a number of online outcomes. This included ABC Online, The Lead South Australia, SBS World News Australia, Science Daily, Women’s Fitness and News.com.au, which was then syndicated on all News Limited platforms.

Breast Cancer and Bone Density ResearchIn May 2017, Channel 9 News featured a story about research undertaken by Professor Andreas Evdokiou and his group at the BHI. This research in particular is looking at ways to regenerate growth in bones after cancer related bone loss. Jenni Eyles, one of our wonderful THRF ambassadors, is now living with Osteoporosis as a result of breast cancer and was interviewed for the story.

media outcomes

51

Tour deFenceThe Road Home’s fundraising bike ride, Tour deFence appeared on Channel 9 News the night of the ride, interviewing Ambassador Stuart O’Grady and rider and veteran Wade Roberts. This was also promoted on ABC 89.1 on the morning of the ride, and was mentioned in SA Life.

Hot Summer Nights Burnouts for KTDRAPeter Illingworth, a patient of Professor Toby Coates, approached THRF in 2016 wanting to fundraise for kidney disease and diabetes research through KTDRA. In December 2016 he competed in a burnout competition to raise vital funds. THRF coordinated media around his story, securing outcomes on Today Tonight, a Channel 7 Weather cross from the event, ABC 89.1 and ABC Online, Triple M Breakfast, the Bunyip News in Gawler and the Northern Messenger.

Heart Research In February 2017, Dr Rosanna Tavella was interviewed in a lengthy segment on Ballarat Community Radio, an opportunity for us to share the work we coordinate in this field in regional Victoria.

Regular Coast FM SegmentOur ongoing monthly segment with community radio station Coast FM is a great opportunity for researchers to share their work with esteemed presenter David Hearn. In the 2016/17 year we were joined by the following researchers on the show:

• Associate Professor Sarah Vreugde

• Beatriz Martins

• Dr Doan Ngo

• Dr Pallave Dasari

• Dr Rosanna Tavella

• Justyna Pollock

• Kathryn Hudson

• Kati Richter and Dr Nicky Thomas

We are always grateful to those who are willing to share their research or story on Coast FM and we sincerely thank them for their time and efforts.

52

PhD students Joe Wrin and Sarah Bernhardt.

53

Professional memberships

sponsorships

The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) has been a long-standing Foundation member of Brand SA and is proud to help showcase the state’s growth and success in the field of translational medical research and innovation in treatments and delivery of patient care.

THRF is also proud to be a nominated charity partner of both the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) and the Australia Israeli Chamber of Commerce (AICC). These affiliations give THRF the opportunity to engage and build positive relationships with the South Australian corporate community and showcase the health benefits and outcomes made possible through local media.

In 2016/17 THRF was delighted to sponsor a range of activities and projects that significantly extend educational endeavour or have a direct benefit for the community.

Once again, THRF continues to be a proud sponsor of a number of BHI events including ‘Talking Heads’ seminar for staff and students and the annual Research Day in October.

This year, THRF also supported the Emerging Communities Conference in March for the Lyell McEwin Hospital which was held at the Playford Civic Centre. The event is designed for medical specialists to present the clinical issues faced together with the lived experience of the community, ensuring that all health services better meet community need.

In May of this year THRF was pleased to support the ‘Pint of Science’ Festival which was coordinated by one of the BHI’s researchers Katharina Richter. With varying themes over the three nights, several scientists were given the opportunity to present their latest discoveries to a live audience. THRF was also pleased to support the Australian Society for Medical Research Week in June.

54

A Wo r l d - F i r s t S t u dy i n to U n e x p l a i n e d H e a r t At tac ksThis year Professor John Beltrame was the recipient of our inaugural Basil Hetzel Translational Grant. With his team, Prof Beltrame is pioneering the causes and treatment of patients living with chest pain following an ‘unexplained heart attack’.

A heart attack occurs when there are cholesterol blockages within the coronary arteries, but they can be treated with the correct medication. However, around 10 per cent of patients when having an x-ray of the heart (coronary angiogram) reveal no significant cholesterol blockages in the coronary arteries.

This is known as a Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA). Unfortunately, there is currently no explanation for why these patients experience a heart attack and most importantly, there are no appropriate treatment methods.

Concerned these patients with ‘unexplained heart attacks’ were being overlooked by clinicians, Prof Beltrame invented the term MINOCA to find the underlying reason for these types of heart attacks to determine the best treatment method.

“This study supported by The Hospital Research Foundation’s (THRF) Translational Grant will be a world-first in examining the role of the microscopic blood vessels in these unexplained heart attacks,” Prof Beltrame said.

“Furthermore, this study is the first to scientifically evaluate if two standard heart attack treatments alleviate the recurrent chest pain experienced by patients with MINOCA. With an estimated 6,000 patients affected by MINOCA each year, the results of this study will have an important impact in their care.”Prof Beltrame will be working alongside Associate Professor Christopher Zeitz, an interventional cardiologist, who will lead the microscopic blood vessels study. The internationally acclaimed Coronary Angiogram Database of South Australia (CADOSA) will play a key role in the data collection for this study coordinated by Dr Rosanna Tavella and Dr Sivabaskari (Tharshy) Pasupathy based at The Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research (BHI).

“We will be collaborating internationally with leading researchers from Sweden, Denmark, Norway and the United Kingdom. These investigators will not only participate in the treatment study but also in a larger study investigating if these medications prevent future major complications in patients suffering MINOCA,” Prof Beltrame said.

This research has the ability to change the lives of so many people around the world suffering from MINOCA with no specific treatments that have proven to be effective.

research highlights

55

I n n ovat i v e G e l to T r e at C h r o n i c B ac k Pa i n Over 10 years ago world-renowned Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist Professor Peter-John Wormald had the revolutionary idea of developing a gel to treat chronic and recurring inflammation after sinus surgery.

Flash-forward to a decade later and this gel is showing such life-changing results for patients post-surgery that Prof Wormald has been awarded THRF 2017 Development Grant of $200,000 to expand its use to chronic pain after back surgery.

When a patient undergoes routine back surgery it is very common for scarring and adhesions to form, leaving some patients in more pain than what they had before surgery. Despite this, there are currently no therapies available to these patients to help relieve their pain. Until now!

Prof Wormald and colleague Associate Professor Sarah Vreugde based at the BHI have discovered this same gel they now use to treat nasal inflammation following surgery, can also be used to prevent scarring following routine back surgery. Now armed with the support of this grant, this innovative gel will soon be available to patients through a clinical trial.

“In a collaboration between the Centres of Excellence in New Zealand and our department of ENT at The University of Adelaide, we have developed a surgical gel which uses a polymer derived from squid which possesses both anti-bleeding and anti-scarring properties,” Prof Wormald explains.“Having had success with the gel in nasal cavities and sinuses, we identified problems with back surgery and a high failure rate with scar tissue and it seemed a logical extension to trial the gel to see if it is going to be effective.”

A/Prof Vreugde says it was the breakthrough idea of adding an additional anti-scarring compound to the gel which showed significant effects in reducing scarring after back surgery.

“We soon discovered that adding a particular compound called deferiprone which has strong anti-scarring properties to the gel actually strengthened its effect on preventing adhesions following back surgery,” A/Prof Vreugde said.

“Through our initial research it was determined that without the gel there was 94 per cent of cases after surgery where adhesions formed, but with the gel this reduced significantly,” she said.

An incredibly exciting discovery for the expert team, Prof Wormald and A/Prof Vreugde are now preparing the gel for a clinical trial, and are hopeful the treatment could be available to patients across the globe undergoing back surgery within five years.

With additional support from THRF, the research team are also exploring the use of this same gel to reduce the formation of scarring following abdominal surgery.

“In 95 per cent of cases, patients will have adhesion formation following abdominal surgery, and a significant number of these people will then require another surgery within two years to remove this scarring due to chronic pain. We’re now in the process of optimising the gel to prevent these adhesions from occurring,” A/Prof Vreugde said.

Thanks to your support, THRF can continue to support translational research like this which is having a direct impact on people now.

56

F i g h t i n g C a n c e r w i t h Yo u r Ow n I m m u n e S y s t e m Supported by THRF, groundbreaking research is underway boosting the body’s own immune system to fight the most common cancers affecting Australian families, including breast cancer.

The treatment is known as immunotherapy, and whilst it’s currently revolutionising blood cancer treatment, when it comes to solid cancers like breast cancer it’s not known to be as effective.

In the first year of her PhD within the Breast Cancer Research Unit at the BHI, Namfon (Bee) Pantarat is developing a new immunotherapy treatment to target solid cancers such as breast cancer.

“Researchers believe we are at the threshold of a golden era for a therapy called ‘adoptive T Cell therapy’, a type of immunotherapy that involves isolating and reinfusing cancer fighting cells called ‘T cells’ back into a patient’s body,” Bee said.

“A recent clinical trial in terminally ill blood cancer patients, who only had months to live, showed extraordinary results with more than half of these patients experiencing complete remission by using this T Cell therapy.

“However when trying to target solid tumours, which kill more people than blood cancers, the T cells are not as effective. We found that when we inject T cells into the bloodstream, most of them don’t travel to the tumour site but randomly go to other places in the body.”

Utilising the world-class medical equipment at the BHI, Bee is developing a new therapy that will deliver these cancer fighting cells directly to the tumour.

“You can’t just inject these T cells straight into the tumour because they won’t last long in that environment. We are putting them in a gel and putting them right where the tumour is, within this gel there is food for them to keep them alive, so over time the cells will slowly drift out to fight the cancer.”

Whilst currently using breast cancer as a basis for her research, Bee is hopeful her work will provide a viable therapy for other solid tumour including prostate cancer and brain tumours.

“I hope to offer an effective, complementary treatment for cancer patients, particularly those with tumours that are difficult to remove through surgery.

“There is a lot of work to be done to ensure our therapy will not just extend patients’ lives by a month or two, but ideally cure their cancer all together. That’s the hope!”We look forward to providing you with an update on Bee’s potentially lifesaving treatment closer to the end of her PhD.

57

3 D P r i n t i n g R e vo l u t i o n i s i n g T y p e 1 D i a b e t e s T r e at m e n t Dedicated researchers are leading the way in groundbreaking new treatments for type 1 diabetes through the development of a 3D printer that can print insulin producing islet cells to treat this debilitating condition.

Leading this life-changing research is Professor Toby Coates and his team of experts at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, in collaboration with the Bioengineering team at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science Intelligent Polymer Research Institute at the University of Wollongong.

THRF has proudly been supporting renal research for over 50 years and is now proud to support Prof Coates’ expanding research into islet transplantation.

As you may know, islet transplantation has recently revolutionised treatment for type 1 diabetes, and in many cases has cured people of the chronic condition they’ve been living with for decades.

“We currently use islet transplantation to treat patients with severe or unstable diabetes. This is done by transplanting donor islet cells which can restore the diabetes sufferer’s capacity to produce insulin and regulate blood sugar levels,” Prof Coates said.Whilst successful in many cases, the islet transplantation treatment is only an option for those with severe diabetes due to a number of complexities and barriers. Prof Coates is confident this can be fixed with an innovative and life-changing 3D printer.

“The current islet transplant procedure relies on donor islet cells being available for the transplant, and it also involves the patient having to take immunosuppression medication to stop their immune system from rejecting the cells. This medication has a number of negative side effects including organ toxicity and an increased risk of cancer,” Prof Coates explained.

“At this stage we transplant these islets into the patient’s liver, and whilst it has been successful, in the process we lose about 75 per cent of these islets in the first few hours.”

This could all change thanks to this world-first research! Using the 3D printer, Prof Coates and the team are creating an artificial pancreas that is custom designed to fix the problems currently associated with the islet transplant procedure.

“Our goal is to use the patient’s own cells to grow the islet cells they need to produce insulin, solving the problem of donor rejection and the need for additional medication,” Prof Coates said.“Within this artificial pancreas we are putting an ink comprised of islet cells along with two or three different cell types that will protect the islets once they’ve been transplanted.

“It’s like we’re creating a defensive castle wall around the outside of these islet cells. This wall will include cells that fight the immune system’s rejection and also cells to promote the function of these islet cells.

“What this means is that we’ll avoid having to transplant the islet cells into the liver, patients will not have to take immunosuppression medication orally and we’ll be able to make more islet cells available.”

This breakthrough research will revolutionise type 1 diabetes treatment, making islet transplantation more widely available to all those living with diabetes and save more lives.

“I believe this printer will enable us to treat more people with diabetes and eventually get to the point of having a large number of cells available and curing diabetes completely!”

58

A L i f e - C h a n g i n g P r o c e d u r e G i v e s C h e l s e a H e r L i f e B ac k Chelsea Holloway had been living the majority of her life in and out of hospital suffering severe stomach pain, diagnosed with pancreatitis when she was just 10-years-old.

Pancreatitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the pancreas, which produces the hormone insulin that regulates blood sugar levels.

Once Chelsea was diagnosed with this hereditary condition, her four siblings were tested and it was discovered that her younger brother and younger sister also have the same condition.

The extreme stomach pain Chelsea experienced forced her to miss out on schooling, and cancel work commitments at the last minute. Seeing friends was extremely hard as she would usually have to cancel due to pain or being in hospital.

“I had been in and out of hospital my entire teenage life and last year I had a month’s stay in hospital, missing out on school. I knew I couldn’t continue like this at 17-years-old and facing my final year of schooling this year,” Chelsea said.“I play indoor netball for South Australia and there had been many trips away that I had to miss out altogether from the pain. I would land back in Adelaide and go straight to the hospital. I was in so much pain I felt like I spent my life in hospital.”

Living on the strongest painkillers, Chelsea knew something needed to be done as she was struggling to live her life with the constant pain.

Hearing about Professor Toby Coates’ successful islet auto-transplant procedure on seven-year-old Gary, who was Australia’s first paediatric patient to undergo this operation, Chelsea wanted to find out more. The Hospital Research Foundation proudly supports Prof Coates’ islet transplant research.

“My mum and I got in contact with Prof Coates and that’s when things started to look up. It was a year of preparation and lots of appointments but Prof Coates was absolutely outstanding and was very clear on everything regarding my impending operation,” Chelsea said.

In April 2017, Chelsea underwent the long operation where she was under anaesthetic for over 10 hours and in intensive care for five days. The operation consisted of taking out Chelsea’s pancreas, part of her stomach, bowel and small intestine.

Her pancreas was then flown to Melbourne where they extracted islet cells from her pancreas and sent it back to Adelaide. The doctors infused the cells into her liver and now Chelsea’s progress will determine if the operation was successful or not. To date, the procedure has been deemed as a huge life-changing success!

“So far, the doctors are extremely happy with my progress and I can’t thank them enough for giving me my life back. I knew I had done the right thing when I was discharged from hospital and no longer living with constant pain,” Chelsea said.

“I just turned 18 last month and I was able to celebrate that which was very special.”

Not only can Chelsea now live a normal life but it has brought her family closer together as she isn’t constantly being rushed to hospital.

“It has not only changed my life but my whole family’s life too. I’m so grateful for Prof Coates, his research and his team who have given me a normal life pain free.”

Image above: Chelsea with Gary, SA’s first paediatric islet auto-transplant patient.

personal stories

59

H ow R e s e a r c h S av e d a Yo u n g Da d “Being in the cardiac ward at 38-years-old and being the youngest person there by 40 odd years felt very strange….”

Loving father-of-one Daniel Balmforth never thought heart disease would affect him at such a young age, but what began as him collapsing at work one morning spiralled into four years of visiting the emergency department on a weekly basis.

“It came out of nowhere. I collapsed at work one day, and then it just kept happening, multiple times a week. I would collapse literally out of nowhere,” Daniel said.

“The attacks were excruciating. It felt like I was getting stabbed multiple times, and then it begins to spasm, so it feels as if a knife is being twisted inside your body.

“It got to the point that I was in hospital five days out of seven each week. Sometimes I would be in the morning and then back in the afternoon.”

Baffling medical professionals, Daniel was suffering from refractory vasospastic angina, a form of angina which causes heart arteries to spasm. For many sufferers of vasospastic angina, it is only a major or minor heart vessel that spasms when an attack occurs, but in Daniel’s case it was both.

“This is why it was such a mystery as the professionals hadn’t seen it before and they didn’t know how to treat it.”

Fired from his job and unable to even travel to the local supermarket without risk of a sudden attack, Daniel was becoming increasingly frustrated with his debilitating condition until he made contact with Professor John Beltrame, Head of the Discipline of Medicine and Cardiologist at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (TQEH).

Fortunately having a well-established research interest in vasospastic angina, Prof Beltrame was confident he knew what Daniel was suffering from and organised a procedure to confirm his suspicions.

“We were about to induce a spasm when Daniel actually experienced a spasm in the middle of the procedure and that’s when we made the diagnosis,” Prof Beltrame said.

“After this we trialled many conventional and unconventional cardiac drugs to try and control Daniel’s refractory vasospastic angina, which demonstrated the ongoing research need to identify drugs for this condition.

“Through my research I was aware of an international study suggesting that a particular drug was effective in treating vasospastic angina. We then had to go through several regulatory processes to obtain this drug through TQEH’s pharmacy.”

Daniel has now been taking this treatment for six months and it’s already turned his life around. Not only has he avoided his weekly trips to the emergency department, he is also only experiencing minor chest pain.

“This treatment is working really well. I do have pains every couple of days but my other treatments support that. Without it I would still be in the hospital on a fortnightly basis,” Daniel said.

“Now I can start looking forward. The last couple of years I’ve ended up in hospital on special occasions. My daughter is only 10-years-old and she’s seen things she should never have to see.

“I haven’t been able to travel anywhere and if I have it’s been dictated by what hospitals are close by. It was only four months ago that I took my first day trip in four years.”

Now visiting Prof Beltrame every three months, Daniel is slowly returning to doing the things he loved before his condition took over his life. With his case highlighting how important ongoing research is to treat patients with rare conditions like his own, Daniel is confident Prof Beltrame will go on to answer more questions around the condition, improving outcomes for others diagnosed in the future.

“As much as this whole ordeal has been hard for me, in the grand scheme of things it’s really good. Now the next person who presents to hospital with the same symptoms can be diagnosed straight away, and they’ll be able to immediately start on this treatment.”

Contact us Phone: (08) 8244 1100 Email: contactus@hospitalresearch.com.au Online: www.hospitalresearch.com.au Mail: The Hospital Research Foundation, 60 Woodville Road, Woodville SA 5011