We are pleased to announce the joint appointment of Dr Suzanne Dawson to a Senior Research Fellow (Mental Health) position between SALHN Mental Health Division and Caring Futures Institute (CFI), Flinders University, with Dr Dawson having commenced in the role recently.
Suzanne will play a key role in achieving our strategic goals for research in consultation with the CFI, Flinders University and SALHN, to develop and expand the research program and reputation of both organisations at both the national and international levels.
Professor Rebecca Golley, Director Caring Futures Institute and Dean Research within the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Flinders University said “Joint appointments bridge the gap between research and practice, fostering people-centred, evidence-based solutions that enhance outcomes. CFI values working closely with SALHN Divisions to support allied health and nursing research, this time with the Mental Health Division”.
Suzanne has over 25 years’ experience working as an occupational therapist in mental health services in the UK and Australia and brings a wealth of knowledge to the role. She has led eleven grant funded translational research projects in mental health service settings across three local health networks in South Australia.
“I am really excited to have this opportunity to be embedded as a researcher alongside clinical and non-clinical staff to support the implementation of best practices and approaches into mental health care across SALHN mental health services.
“My focus of research is on inter-disciplinary and psychosocial interventions with the aim of fostering positive changes in approaches, practices and culture in health and aged care services and improved consumer outcomes and experiences.
“This position allows for interdisciplinary collaboration and co-design to support service development and system-wide change.”
Director of SALHN Allied Health (Mental Health) Lucas Milne is pleased to welcome Suzanne to this new joint position.
“This appointment strengthens SALHN Mental Health Division’s commitment to research, in particular its translation into practice and clinician engagement in research at all levels.
“The partnership with CFI to a establish a Senior Research Fellow is the first of its kind for the Mental Health Division in SALHN and I am excited about the potential impact on service outcomes, culture and staff job satisfaction.”
Congratulations Suzanne and welcome to the team.