Lead researcher, clinician and author, Associate Professor Aileen Collier, has been jointly appointed by Flinders University and the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN) as an Associate Professor in Aged Care and Palliative Care Nursing.
Associate Professor Collier will be based at Modbury Hospital in the first nursing position of its kind for aged care and palliative care at NALHN.
The role will focus on nursing research leadership and development, supporting care for older people and recognises the value of collaboration between Local Health Networks and universities in building nursing research capability.
Associate Professor Collier has decades of experience working in health in multiple countries, including extensive experience as a palliative care nurse. She is passionate about nursing, equity in care, ageing and aged care, palliative care and working with communities in South Australia.
Associate Professor Collier has previously worked as a researcher at Flinders University and returns to South Australia after working in New Zealand for four years.
In addition to her new role, Associate Professor Collier holds adjunct appointments as an Honorary Researcher in the School of Medicine at University of Auckland, and Senior Researcher at the University of Tasmania.
Associate Professor Aileen Collier says she is honoured to take up the inaugural joint appointment.
“This position presents a wonderful opportunity to inspire current and future nurses at the nexus of practice, research and teaching.”
“I am excited about my return to Flinders University and working with NALHN clinicians to address the most pressing health care needs of people who live in Adelaide’s North. I have a particular interest in the wellbeing and care of older people, including palliative and end of life care, and I look forward to making progress in this specialised area.”
NALHN Chief Executive Officer, Maree Geraghty is delighted to welcome Associate Professor Collier to this newly created role, which will support nurses to build their research knowledge and skills and undertake higher degree research studies.
“Nurses are the largest health workforce and play an integral role in the delivery of all health care services. This role will support the development of our nurses and ensure we build on our existing knowledge and capacity. This joint appointment will drive research in aged care and palliative care which will lead to ongoing improvements in health for the community.”
Director of the Caring Futures Institute, Professor Raymond Chan, says it’s exciting to strengthen the strategic alliance between Flinders University and NALHN with the establishment of a role that seeks to develop nursing leadership and ehance supporting care for older Australians.
“Associate Professor Collier is a very welcome addition to our research staff, and her knowledge and experience will build into the research and clinical impacts of Flinders University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences; The Caring Futures Institute; and Research Centre for Palliative Care Death and Dying.”
Associate Professor Collier commenced the three-year term on Monday 10 October 2022