The Western Australian (WA) Government has launched an innovation hub at Royal Perth Hospital, a new facility aimed at fostering innovation in healthcare among clinicians.

Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson highlighted the hub as a platform for the region's medical professionals to connect, collaborate, and drive advancements in health outcomes for the local community.

Supported by biomedical engineering, the RPH innovation hub features specialised areas for 3D printing of high-quality prototypes.

This venture is a component of a larger adoption of digital healthcare and via the RPH Virtual Reality Lounge it offers clinicians a venue to investigate virtual reality applications in healthcare services.

In addition to technological resources, the hub offers an idea capture and management programme, bolstered by project management support.

This ensures that staff with health ideas receive the necessary assistance to develop their concepts into trials and ultimately integrate them into standard practice across WA hospitals.

The hub also hosts a schedule of professional development and industry networking events, designed to merge clinical expertise with local industry problem-solving capabilities.

Strategically situated off Wellington Street, the innovation hub has been designed for optimal accessibility, promoting the integration of innovation into everyday healthcare delivery.

The project draws inspiration from US innovation hubs, such as the one at Stanford University, which has a global impact on healthcare knowledge.

Its establishment aligns with Perth's growing strengths in biomedical research, innovation, and manufacturing.

Dawson said: "The Cook Government has committed substantial funding to this initiative, further emphasising its dedication to making WA a leader in health innovation.

"A special feature of the RPH Innovation Hub is the new Maker's Space which is equipped with 3D printing capabilities to support the development of early-stage prototypes of novel medical devices. 

"This facility will be supported by an innovation technical lead who will act as an 'Engineer in Residence' and support the design and development of novel devices through a fractional appointment dedicated to the Hub Maker's Space."