Statewide allied health star to find ways to ease strain on hospitals

UniSA and SA Health have joined forces to create a new role aiming to help keep people healthier and treated in their own homes, to ease the strain on hospitals.

Professor of Allied Health, Professor Saravana Kumar

A new statewide role overseeing more effective allied healthcare including treatment at home to help ease pressure on hospital emergency department.

The University of South Australia has joined with the state government to appoint Professor Saravana Kumar as the state’s first Professor of Allied Health to explore new and more effective models of healthcare.

SA Health and UniSA will jointly fund the role which will focus on meeting critical health needs including easing strains on hospitals, allowing older people to remain in their own homes, more telehealth services and alternative clinics.

In the UniSA-based role, Prof Kumar will work closely with SA Health’s Allied and Scientific Health Office (ASHO) to help with allied health workforce needs and investigate retention, support and training priorities.

Professor of Allied Health, Professor Saravana Kumar.

Prof Kumar, currently Professor in Allied Health and Health Services Research at UniSA, has an established history of improving safety of healthcare through teaching and research in evidence-based practice.

He has collaborated extensively with industry and healthcare practitioners outside of academia.

“In collaboration with SA Health, I will investigate and implement more effective models of care for our residents, fostering research which aligns with the state’s needs, including closing the gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations,” Prof Kumar said.

“Designing programs to help South Australians stay as fit and healthy and possible, reducing the risk of chronic conditions, will also be a priority.”

ASHO chief officer Dr Ingrid Lensink said her office is “incredibly excited” about working with Professor Kumar.

“From psychologists to occupational therapists, allied health professionals are integral to health care and improved health outcomes for individuals, health services and the community,” Dr Lensink says.

“This position will provide a focal point to demonstrate the range of benefits evidenced by allied health professionals to individuals and the community.”

UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance Research Dean, Professor Susan Hillier, said the new position will go a long way towards supporting South Australians to “live the best lives they can”.

“There is growing recognition that our current health system is cracking under the strain of chronic conditions, manifesting in issues from hospital ramping through to people being unable to remain in their own homes while battling a range of health problems,” she said.