Mater researcher Associate Professor Sumaira Hasnain wins Springfield Health City Research Grant

A common condition affecting young people is the focus for a Springfield researcher who has just been awarded a major grant.

Mater researcher Associate Professor Sumaira Hasnain has been awarded $100,000 for a study into more efficient treatments for Crohn's disease and other inflammatory gut and bowel conditions.

A Mater Springfield researcher has scored a $100,000 grant to study more efficient treatments for Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel conditions.

Mater researcher Associate Professor Sumaira Hasnain was this month announced as the inaugural recipient of the Springfield Health City Research Grant.

She said inflammatory gut disease could affect people aged anywhere from 5-49 years and her research stood to benefit a high percentage of the local population.

With 1 in every 250 Australians affected by inflammatory gut disease, up to 125 people living in Greater Springfield would be impacted by the condition.

“With the median age of people in Greater Springfield sitting at 30, and a large population of young families in the area, this research will directly benefit people living in this region,” Ms Hasnain said.

The research will focus on finding new solutions for patients who do not respond to current treatments.

Mater Foundation executive director Andrew Thomas said the Springfield Health City Research Grants would enable Mater to continue to grow and develop innovative services in the region.

“These grants will lead to cutting-edge, evidence-based health services that will directly benefit the people of Springfield through improved research and healthcare services,” Mr Thomas said.

“Mater Foundation believes everyone deserves access to the best possible healthcare and the Springfield Health City Research Grants help us realise this goal.”

The State Government recently announced a partnership that will bring an expansion of Mater Private Hospital Springfield, located in the 52-hectare Health City Springfield Central precinct, to include a new Emergency Centre, Intensive Care Unit, maternity services and 139 extra hospital beds.

Springfield City Group also revealed plans for an innovative medicines precinct that will help develop Queensland’s knowledge workers, increase new manufacturing capability and provide local jobs.

Springfield City Group Managing Director Raynuha Sinnathamby said health was a cornerstone of the masterplanned community and the research grants would ensure people living and working in the region had access to the latest treatments and services.

The grants are funded by a Springfield City Group donation to Mater Foundation.