Welcome to the New NTRI
Every severely injured patient should be given the best possible chance to return to health and independence. This can only happen if highly effective treatments are available from the moment of injury through to recovery; if ambulance, hospital and rehabilitation professionals consistently provide the best up-to-date care; and if an efficient trauma system is in place to deliver these services.
The National Trauma Research Institute (NTRI) was established in 2003 and is dedicated to improving the treatment and care of seriously injured people through innovations leading to more effective treatments, facilitating delivery of the highest quality care, and working with all stakeholders to implement better trauma systems. The NTRI champions an integrated research model, promoting the sharing of ideas between laboratory scientists, clinical researchers, policymakers and injured people.
The NTRI is a part of Alfred Health, which provides Australia's largest trauma service within the Victorian State Trauma System, and in conjunction with Monash University undertakes research into the care of those immediately affected by trauma. The Alfred and Monash University have been working together for many years in traumatic injury research, practice and policy, and have been central to bringing the traumatic injury community together through networks and leadership within local, national and international agencies.
The NTRI has excelled in neurotrauma and trauma-outcomes research with local, national and international impact. The Institute has recently established programs in trauma knowledge translation, quality improvement and system development. By bringing together key stakeholders from around Australia, the NTRI is developing national multicentre projects. In conjunction with governments, health care organisations, communities and other key stakeholders, the NTRI is contributing to national and international trauma care practice and policy. This increased breadth underpins a new strategic direction for the NTRI.
A public launch of the new NTRI was held on Thursday 17 November, incorporating release of the new Strategic Plan and a ‘new-look’ NTRI logo, with the vision of improving care of the injured. The new Strategic Plan 2011-2014 builds upon the established expertise of the NTRI's Director and management team, and embraces research excellence and impact through leading innovation, partnering and dialogue, translating knowledge and improving care. Please see the attached copy of our NTRI Strategic Plan.
We have created a dynamic vision of how research, practice and policy can work together to ensure all seriously injured people receive the best possible care. This requires partnerships for excellent and innovative research, and using knowledge and experience to assist trauma systems deliver optimal care continuously from injury through to recovery. This Plan establishes a foundation for growth and success in improving care of the injured.
We will be building a new and interactive NTRI website early next year to assist all stakeholders throughout the trauma spectrum to actively improve care of the injured. Until then, please actively review the NTRI’s programs through our current website.
Feel free to contact me or members of my team with any queries about the Institute.
Russell Gruen MBBS PhD FRACS
Professor of Surgery & Public Health, The Alfred & Monash University
Director, The National Trauma Research Institute.
