HOPE ON THE HORIZON Life-Saving Trials Now Within Reach For Mackay Residents

Have you ever stopped to think what it would be like if you were suddenly diagnosed with a severe disease only to then find out treatments available in Australia don’t work for you?
What about if there were other treatments you could access, but they were only available in Brisbane?
Sadly, only 5 years ago that was the case for many in the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday region. However, in 2018, the Coral Sea Clinical Research Institute (CSCRI) was established because a doctor was frustrated in seeing his patients miss out, and since then many people in the region (including as south as Rockhampton) have now accessed treatments many years before they have become commercially available anywhere else in the world.
The doctor involved was Dr Daveson, a gastroenterologist (someone who specialises in bowel diseases and who grew up in Mackay) and as such the 30 or so studies CSCSRI has conducted in the region since have focussed mainly on bowel diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD which includes Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative colitis) and Coeliac disease.
To be involved in the IBD studies, patients usually must have not responded to other available treatments. However, once in the study, all treatments and related costs, such as doctor visits and hospital procedures such as colonoscopies, are covered by the study. Travel reimbursements are also available, important for those finding it difficult to afford or access treatment.
To be involved, people must have or be diagnosed with a condition, and be willing to follow the study requirements. Importantly, in some of the studies, although there may not be an immediate benefit for the person participating, the information gathered will likely help others or their relatives in the future.
CSCRI has been an important innovation in the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday region and has put its role in clinical trials on the global map. Patients involved in clinical trials at CSCRI are closely cared for by an experienced research team made up of registered nurses, general practitioners and gastroenterologists.
If you are interested in learning more contact CSCRI on 1800 69 27 27 or email [email protected].

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