For more than 50 years, the Southland Medical Foundation’s purpose has been to advance medical research and to attract healthcare professionals to the south.
Foundation president Craig Smith says the focus today remains much the same from when it was first founded in 1966.
Its focus is research particularly focused on cancer and cardiac, but it is also unique from other medical foundations in New Zealand in that it also assists healthcare workers with professional development studies via way of grants.
It has also provided funding for special medical research projects undertaken by the University of Otago’s Medical School.
The Foundation has $2.4million invested in a funds charitable trust and income generated is used to fund research, while grants given for professional development come from its general funds.
It also provides grants on behalf of other smaller trusts in the south.
In 2021, $100,000 went towards establishing a Research Fellowship at Southland Hospital, and Dr Silke Neumann (PhD) is working part-time to assist research projects at Southland Hospital.
Research in progress includes obesity-induced immune dysfunction in colorectal cancer, prostate cancer mortality of Māori in Southland, surgical prehabilitation to improve rural healthcare delivery as well as enhanced recovery after surgery development of a culturally specific app.
Foundation president A Gilkison, in the first annual report in 1967, says “The people of Southland have made a wonderful response in times of economic uncertainty, and this is a reflection of the practical desires of Southlanders for first class medical services supported by an adequate number of General Practitioners and Specialists”.
In1967, the Foundation’s cash in hand and promises had grown to $19,321. Companies like Alliance Freezing Co, Hart Motors Ltd, Southland Country Council and organisations like Otautau Jaycee became foundation members.
Craig says while the Foundation has been established for many years, new healthcare professionals entering the workforce may not be aware of it or how it can help.
Like any charitable trust, the Foundation, while it has its core investment to generate funds, also needs members and subscribers to ensure it can serve Southland for many years to come.
To download an application form to make a grant request or learn more about the Foundation and its history, and how to become a member go to www.southlandmedicalfoundation.org.nz
Did you know?
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In the past 20 years the Foundation has paid out more than $1.6 million in grants.
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The Foundation was the brainchild of Wellington consultant physician Sir Charles Burns.
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Medical and Nursing healthcare professionals have been awarded grants to attend conferences and seminars nationally and overseas to keep up with advances in medical knowledge.
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The Foundation also funds heart research projects at the University of Otago, from a substantial legacy left to it by Southland farmers William and Gwenda Sybil Dick.
Southland Medical Foundation secretary David Little, left, with Foundation president Craig Smith inside the Hospital Campus Learning and Research Centre on the Southland Hospital grounds.
