A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by Charles Sturt University (CSU) and Catholic Healthcare to further quality research into residential aged care.

The agreement will see the establishment of a joint Clinical Chair in Aged Care Practice Innovation in Bathurst. The Chair will conduct field research at Catholic regional aged care services in central west NSW.

Catholic Healthcare's acting General Manager Residential Care, Mr Matthew Filocamo said the Chair would help improve models of care for seniors, advance research, boost staff education, and enhance clinical practice.

Professor Catherine Hungerford, Head of the CSU School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health said, "This partnership will have significant benefits for both organisations and in time for the broader aged care sector," said

In addition to the MoU, Catholic Healthcare and CSU have recently announced another partnership program to increase the number of nursing graduates choosing a career in aged care in regional NSW.

New Bachelor of Nursing graduates from CSU and other universities will be mentored by Catholic Healthcare staff as they rotate through postgraduate work placements in Holy Spirit Residential Aged Care, Lourdes Hospital and Saint Mary's Villa in Dubbo, and Forbes' Jemalong Residential Village.

The new agreement follows a study last year into the development of positive work placements in residential aged care for nursing students.

Through its School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate and higher research degrees. Read more here.