Frith Rayner, APHCRI
 The Menzies Centre for Health Policy aims to promote debate about Australia's health system and what it can - and does - provide for Australians.
It will encourage informed debate about how Australians can influence health policy to ensure it is consistent with their values and priorities and is able to deliver safe, high quality, sustainable, health care.
 To do this the Centre will conduct research to better understand the implications of various health policies in terms of efficiency and effectiveness; identify approaches to the prevention and management of serious and continuing illnesses; work with governments and others involved in health policy development; and contribute to international understanding of global health policy issues.
The Centre will also hold an annual guest lecture on health policy - The Menzies Health Policy Lecture - and conference to encourage young researchers to present their work. Eventually the Centre plans to offer educational opportunities for Masters and PhD research.
As a dual-site centre the Menzies Centre for Health Policy draws together academic resources from both The Australian National University and the University of Sydney. It is led by Co-Directors, Professor Stephen Leeder (University of Sydney) and Mr Robert Wells (ANU).
"This is a great opportunity to explore health policy as it develops from a research perspective," said Co-Director Mr Robert Wells. "Our aim is to give both policy advisers and the public a clearer idea of how to improve our health system to the benefit of all Australians."
In its first major project the Centre has been awarded a five-year NHMRC grant to research cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The Serious and Continuing Illnesses: Policy and Practice Study (SCIPPS) will examine obstacles in the health system to optimal care for patients with or at risk of contracting these conditions and the people who care for them.
For further information, contact:
Robert Wells
Co-Director
E: robert.wells@anu.edu.au
Web: www.menzieshealthpolicy.edu.au/
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