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1. About Us

Since early 2015, the South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD), with the support of the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, has operated a Clinical Trials Support Unit (CTSU). This unit strengthens our research culture and provides a central network trial for all clinical trials teams and supporting departments.

Across SWSLHD, we support clinical trials in more than 25 specialty areas and 52 departments/units, spanning Liverpool, Campbelltown and Camden, Bankstown, Bowral and Fairfield Hospitals. Together, these services reach a community of more than 1.2 million people, making SWSLHD one of the most populous and diverse Local Health Districts in NSW.

Guided by the values and mission of SWSLHD and NSW Health, the CTSU is committed to ensuring that clinical trials are well supported and prepared to deliver high-quality, safe, and patient-centred research.

2. Research Areas

Our clinical trial portfolio covers a wide range of therapeutic areas, including:

• Oncology and Haematology – phase 1 to late-phase studies, including novel therapies, e.g. CAR-T.
• Neurology – stroke, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative conditions.
• Gastroenterology and Hepatology – liver disease, gut health, and IBD.
• Cardiology and Vascular Medicine – interventional and medical therapies.
• Paediatrics, Obstetrics, and Neonatology – improving maternal and child health outcomes.
• Infectious Diseases and Immunology – including vaccine and emerging infection research.

Our work includes investigator-initiated research, industry-sponsored trials, and collaborative multicentre studies, with an emphasis on translating research into clinical practice for the communities we serve.

Major Trials

1. Early Phase Cancer Trials

At Liverpool Hospital, our Phase 1 Unit is delivering first-in-human studies for patients with advanced cancers. These trials give patients early access to new treatments while providing safety and efficacy data to guide future therapies.

2. Stroke and Neurology Trials

Our Neurology team is leading innovative trials into acute stroke interventions and prevention of recurrent strokes. Research includes novel clot-busting therapies and new devices aimed at improving recovery and reducing disability.

3. Liver Disease and Gut Health

SWSLHD has one of the highest burdens of liver disease in Australia. Our Gastroenterology and Hepatology trials include studies in hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and inflammatory bowel disease, bringing world-class therapies to patients locally.

4. Maternal and Child Health

Campbelltown Hospital is at the forefront of paediatric and perinatal trials, including studies in preterm birth prevention, childhood asthma, and new neonatal care approaches — ensuring families in South West Sydney benefit from the latest advances.

5. Immunology and Infectious Diseases

We continue to expand trials in emerging infections, vaccines, and immune therapies, building on the District’s strong track record in infectious disease research. These studies directly contribute to improving community resilience and preparedness.

6. Diabetes and Endocrinology Trials

With one of the largest diabetes populations in the country, our District is leading clinical trials into new medications, technologies (such as continuous glucose monitoring and pumps), and models of care. These studies aim to reduce complications, improve quality of life, and support healthier futures.

3. Collaborations & Partners

We are proud to be a collaborative initiative between SWSLHD and the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, and affiliated with:

• Western Sydney University (WSU)
• University of New South Wales (UNSW)
• Industry partners, pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners, and CROs
• Research networks across NSW and Australia

These collaborations strengthen our ability to deliver innovative, evidence-based research that addresses the health needs of South West Sydney’s diverse population.

4.  Governance & Quality

The CTSU is committed to embedding best-practice governance systems in line with the National Clinical Trials Governance Framework (NCTGF).

We work in partnership with SWSLHD executive leadership and NSW Health to ensure that all clinical trials conducted within the District are:

• Ethically and scientifically sound
• Compliant with regulatory requirements (TGA, NHMRC, ICH-GCP)
• Patient-centred and safety-focused
• Efficiently governed through clear oversight structures

Our Governance Initiatives

• Developing a district-wide governance framework for clinical trials, aligned with the NCTGF.
• Supporting units to prepare for accreditation readiness through tools, policies, and education.
• Establishing standardised policies and SOPs for trial conduct, oversight, risk management, and quality assurance.
• Implementing a centralised Clinical Trial Management System (CTMS) in line with Statewide requirements to improve transparency, reporting, and compliance.
• Conducting regular audits, risk assessments, and monitoring activities to maintain high standards of quality.
• Strengthening training programs (e.g., GCP, Good Documentation Practice, Site File Readiness) for all staff involved in trials.
• Building a network of governance champions across specialty areas to share best practices and drive continuous improvement.

5.  Careers & Opportunities

We are growing our clinical trials capability across SWSLHD. Opportunities exist for:

• Clinical Trials Pharmacists, Coordinators, and Nurses
• Research and Governance Officers
• Finance and Administrative staff
• Student placements and internships
• Volunteers interested in supporting research programs

For current openings, please visit the links below, or reach out to our team to discuss opportunities for collaboration.

Job Opportunities - NSW Health (SWSLHD)

Job Opportunities - Ingham Institute

6. Contact Us

Our team includes executive and management staff, administration staff, finance staff, CTMS staff, and training specialists.

We are based at the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, and we provide support staff across all of SWSLHD.

• General enquiries: SWSLHD-ClinicalTrialsSupportUnit@health.nsw.gov.au.
• Finance enquiries: SWSLHD-ClinicalTrialsSupportUnitFinance@health.nsw.gov.au.
• CTMS enquiries: SWSLHD-CTMS@health.nsw.gov.au.

7. Resources
The Therapeutic Goods Administration Website

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is Australia's regulatory authority for therapeutic goods. We carry out a range of assessment and monitoring activities to ensure therapeutic goods available in Australia are of an acceptable standard with the aim of ensuring that the Australian community has access, within a reasonable time, to therapeutic advances.

Australian Clinical Trials Website

An Australian Government website with information about clinical trials in Australia. The website includes information for clinical trial sites, sponsors and consumers.

8. Consumer/Public Engagement

Effective consumer engagement is fundamental to advancing clinical trials and improving healthcare outcomes. We recognise that meaningful involvement of patients and participants leads to more relevant research, enhanced trial design, and greater transparency. This section will highlight our commitment to fostering collaboration, trust, and open communication with the communities we serve. Stay tuned as we develop resources and initiatives to strengthen these vital connections.