Research must be reviewed and approved by a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) and receive site governance approval before starting.
The South West Healthcare Human Research Ethics Committee (SWH HREC) is registered with National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
The SWH HREC ethically and scientifically reviews human research to be conducted at South West Healthcare (SWH) and some other affiliated regional health services consistent with the values and principles set out in the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (the National Statement).
The SWH HREC meets every 2 months to review submitted applications.
*Applications will not be reviewed by the SWH HREC at the scheduled meeting unless complete (including all required documents and signatures) and submitted via Ethics Review Manager (ERM) by 5pm on the agenda closure date.
All projects undertaken at SWH must also obtain site governance approval.
Final site governance approval for affiliated regional health services (not under SWH) remains with the site.
| A chairperson | Dr Bernadette Northeast |
| Lay Members | Mr Gordon Johnson
Dr Janice Stewart |
| Members with knowledge of, and current experience in, the professional care, counselling or treatment of people | Dr Daryl Pedler
Dr Didir Imran Mr Robert McGregor Ms Ruth Minkov |
| Member who performs a pastoral care role | Ms Julie Burch |
| Member who is Lawyer | Mr Alex McCulloch
Mr Jacob Alldis |
| Members with current research experience that is relevant to research proposals to be considered at the meetings they attend | Dr Andrew Gilbert
Dr Renee Clapham Ms Sarah Wood |
| Manager of Research | Ms Leah Damman |
For new applications finalised protocol and in-principle support requested from relevant line managers and SWH-Executive |
Agenda Closure(Complete Submission) |
SWH HREC Meeting Date |
| * Have draft protocol finalised and emailed relevant SWH Line manager and Executive Director for in-principle support of new research project prior to submitting to SWH HREC | *The complete application must be submitted in ERM by 5pm this date, and an email advising of the ERM submission sent to swh.ethics@swh.net.au | |
| 09-Sep-24 | 23-Sep-24 | 07-Oct-24 |
| 28-Oct-24 | 11-Nov-24 | 02-Dec-24 |
All new submissions are due by 5:00 PM of the closing date.
Note: SWH Research Office staff are available to meet with researchers and provide guidance on the submission requirements. Please ensure you make an appointment and email your queries with adequate time prior to agenda closure dates as it may take up to 5 business days for the office to respond.
For new applications finalised protocol and in-principle support requested from relevant line managers and SWH-Executive |
Agenda Closure(Complete Submission) |
SWH HREC Meeting Date |
| * Have draft protocol finalised and emailed relevant SWH Line manager and Executive Director for in-principle support of new research project prior to submitting to SWH HREC | *The complete application must be submitted in ERM by 5pm this date, and an email advising of the ERM submission sent to swh.ethics@swh.net.au | |
| 30-Dec-24 | 12-Jan-25 | 03-Feb-25 |
| 03-Mar-25 | 16-Mar-25 | 07-Apr-25 |
| 28-Apr-25 | 11-May-25 | 02-Jun-25 |
| 30-Jun-25 | 13-Jul-25 | 04-Aug-25 |
| 01-Sep-25 | 14-Sep-25 | 06-Oct-25 |
| 27-Oct-25 | 09-Nov-25 | 01-Dec-25 |
Note: SWH Research Office staff are available to meet with researchers and provide guidance on the submission requirements. Please ensure you make an appointment and email your queries with adequate time prior to agenda closure dates as it may take up to 5 business days for the office to respond.
The SWH HREC has vacancies for membership.
Staff, external researchers and local community members are encouraged to contact the SWH Research Office on swh.ethics@swh.net.au regarding submitting an expression of interest to join the SWH HREC.
The committee includes a chairperson and members from a range of backgrounds as set out in the National Statement.
The SWH HREC is made up of the following members:
For more information about the SWH HREC, please refer to the: