HCF RESEARCH FOUNDATION INVESTS $1.5M IN SOLUTIONS TO EASE HOSPITAL PRESSURE
MONDAY, 18 MAY 2026: The HCF Research Foundation, Australia’s leading non‑government funder of health services research, is investing more than $1.49 million in new research targeting some of the key drivers of pressure on Australia’s health system – workforce shortages, avoidable emergency department visits and unsafe prescribing.
Workforce shortages are affecting most major health professions, while emergency departments continue to face high demand, including around 280,000 presentations each year related to mental health alone.
Awarded in late 2025 through the Health Services Research Grants (HSRG) round, the funding supports four projects focused on practical, scalable solutions to ease demand on hospitals and improve patient outcomes.
The projects focus on:
- redesigning hospital work to free up clinician time and improve workforce retention
- reducing avoidable emergency department visits after surgery
- tackling inappropriate opioid prescribing in private hospitals
- improving care pathways for people with mental illness to avoid unnecessary emergency presentations
Dr Chris Pettigrew, Head of the HCF Research Foundation, said the grants are focused on addressing system pressure at its source.
“Health services are under sustained strain, with workforce shortages and growing demand continuing to challenge hospitals.”
“These projects focus on some of the underlying drivers of that pressure, from avoidable emergency presentations to inefficient use of scarce professional resources , with a clear emphasis on solutions that can be tested and scaled in real-world settings.”
The largest grant is funding a University of Melbourne-led project aimed at redesigning hospital work, including reducing administrative burden and freeing up clinicians to spend more time on direct patient care.
Other projects include:
- a Griffith University trial of a nurse-led transitional care model to improve recovery after surgery and reduce unnecessary emergency department visits
- a University of Sydney study addressing the high use of modified-release opioids after orthopaedic surgery
- a Deakin University project evaluating peer support models in emergency departments to reduce repeat presentations and improve outcomes for people with mental illness
Adjunct Professor Karen Price, Chair of the HCF Research Foundation, said the focus is on translating research into real-world impact.
“We know many of the pressures facing the system. The priority now is identifying what works in practice and scaling it.”
“These projects are designed to generate evidence that supports better care for patients, while helping to reduce unnecessary pressure on hospitals,” Adj Prof Price said.
“The HCF Research Foundation’s HSRG program invests in health services research that improves how healthcare is delivered in Australia, with a focus on outcomes that can be adopted across the system.”
ENDS
Media enquiries to:
Joni Thomes 0475 576 738 or jthomes@hcf.com.au
ABOUT THE HCF RESEARCH FOUNDATION
The HCF Research Foundation’s mission is to improve the health and wellbeing outcomes for HCF members and all Australians by providing funding and support to encourage health services research for the benefit of all. Now in its 26th year, the HCF Research Foundation (the Foundation) is uniquely focused on supporting health services research, an area of research that does not receive significant fundings from other sources. The Foundation’s program aims to address issues of scale and significance in healthcare and to make a tangible impact in the delivery of health services for our members and all Australians. To learn more about the Foundation go to hcf.com.au/about-us/hcf-foundation
ABOUT HCF
HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund protecting Australians since 1932, covers more than 2 million members with health and life1 insurance, travel2, pet3 home4 and car5 insurance. HCF has been awarded Outstanding Value Health Insurance by Canstar ten years in a row from 2016-2025. On average over the last 10 years, HCF has paid out more cents in every dollar in premiums to members as benefits than the industry average*. To learn more about HCF go to hcf.com.au/about-us
* 88.7% compared to 84.4% across the industry. Calculated based on the average of the past 10 years, sourced from APRA Statistics: Operations of Private Health Insurers Annual Report data 2015–24 and Quarterly Private Health Insurance Statistics Jul 2024–Jun 2025.
1 Issued by HCF Life. Consider the PDS and TMD at hcf.com.au/lifeinfo
2 HCF Travel Insurance is issued by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited. Please consider the PDS at hcf.com.au/travel and TMD at allianzpartners.com.au/policies before deciding whether to buy the product.
3 HCF Pet Insurance is issued by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd, except for policies entered into before 21 March 2024 and subsequent renewals of those policies, which are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd. Consider the PDS and TMD at hcf.com.au/petinsurance before deciding if the product is right for you.
4 Issued by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited. Consider the PDS at hcf.com.au/insurance/home and TMD which is available by calling 1300 657 046 before deciding if the product is right for you.
5 Issued by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited. Consider the PDS at hcf.com.au/insurance/car and TMD which is available by calling 1300 657 046 before deciding if the product is right for you.
