2026 Nursing and Allied Health Grant Recipients Announced
The RPH Research Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Nursing and Allied Health Grants, awarding a total of $99,694 across five innovative projects led by nurses and allied health professionals.
These grants support practical, patient-focused research that addresses everyday challenges in healthcare, from improving communication and cultural understanding, to testing new models of care. Each project is designed to deliver real-world impact, enhancing patient safety, experience and outcomes across Western Australia’s health system.
Congratulations to the 2026 Nursing and Allied Health Grants recipients:
The birth outcomes of newborns and women after management through a Midwifery-Led Gestational Diabetes Clinic
Ms Jane-Anne Gardner
$19,988
Armadale Hospital
This project evaluates a first-of-its-kind midwifery-led gestational diabetes clinic at Armadale Health Service, designed to keep women local and provide coordinated personalised care for women during pregnancy. By improving management of gestational diabetes, the research aims to deliver healthier outcomes for mothers and babies while reducing the long-term impact of diabetes.
What does good COPD care look like? Improving everyday conversations between clinicians and people with COPD
Dr Sarah Hug
$20,000
Royal Perth Hospital
There are evidence-based steps to help people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to live well and stay out of hospital, but they are underutilised. This project will explore how clinicians can facilitate impactful clinical conversations to help patients feel supported to follow healthcare recommendations, stay well and avoid hospital.
Exploring Chinese patients’ cultural preferences for falls prevention education in hospital wards
Ms Vivian Liong
$19,875
The University of Western Australia and Royal Perth Hospital
Falls are a major risk for older hospital patients, but culturally appropriate education can significantly improve safety. This project will ensure falls prevention strategies are meaningful and effective for older Chinese patients, helping deliver safer, more inclusive care for all.
Feasibility of Remote Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) for vascular patients in the Acute Care Hospital Setting
Ms Jennifer Nicholas
$19,940
Royal Perth Bentley Group
This project is testing whether continuous glucose monitoring can provide real-time insights to improve the care and recovery of vascular patients in hospital. By detecting glucose changes and patterns earlier, it aims to support safer treatment, reduce complications, and improve patient outcomes.
Does an external urinary catheter provide an acceptable option to reduce the risk associated with catheterisations in female patients within an Australian acute care setting – a pilot study?
Mrs Judith Thompson
$19,891 - Doreen McCarthy Nursing Grant
Royal Perth Bentley Group
This study is testing a non-invasive alternative to traditional urinary catheters for women in hospital, aiming to improve comfort, dignity and safety. It will also assess whether the device can reduce infections, ease nursing workload and provide a cost-effective alternative to current care.
The birth outcomes of newborns and women after management through a Midwifery-Led Gestational Diabetes Clinic
Ms Jane-Anne Gardner
$19,988
Armadale Hospital
This project evaluates a first-of-its-kind midwifery-led gestational diabetes clinic at Armadale Health Service, designed to provide more coordinated and personalised care for women during pregnancy. By improving how gestational diabetes is managed, the research aims to deliver healthier outcomes for mothers and babies while reducing the long-term impact of diabetes.
What does good COPD care look like? Improving everyday conversations between clinicians and people with COPD
Dr Sarah Hug
$20,000
Royal Perth Hospital
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common lung condition, there are evidence-based steps to help people live well and stay out of hospital but in practice they are being underutilised. This project will study how clinicians can facilitate impactful clinical conversations to help patients feel supported to follow care, stay well and avoid hospital.
Exploring Chinese patients’ cultural preferences for falls prevention education in hospital wards
Ms Vivian Liong
$19,875
The University of Western Australia and Royal Perth Hospital
Falls are a major risk for older hospital patients, but culturally appropriate education can significantly improve safety. This project will ensure falls prevention strategies are meaningful and effective for older Chinese patients, helping deliver safer, more inclusive care for all.
Feasibility of Remote Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) for vascular patients in the Acute Care Hospital Setting
Ms Jennifer Nicholas
$19,940
Royal Perth Bentley Group
This project is testing whether continuous glucose monitoring can provide real-time insights to improve the care and recovery of vascular patients in hospital. By detecting hidden changes in blood glucose earlier, it aims to support safer treatment, reduce complications, and improve patient outcomes.
Does an external urinary catheter provide an acceptable option to reduce the risk associated with catheterisations in female patients within an Australian acute care setting – a pilot study?
Mrs Judith Thompson
$19,891 - Doreen McCarthy Nursing Grant
Royal Perth Bentley Group
This study is testing a non-invasive alternative to traditional urinary catheters for women in hospital, aiming to improve comfort, dignity and safety. It will also assess whether the device can reduce infections, ease nursing workload and provide a cost-effective alternative to current care.
