Charles Sturt University (CSU) and Catholic Healthcare have announced the appointment of Associate Professor Marguerite Bramble as the inaugural Clinical Chair in Aged Care Practice Innovation.

Associate Professor Marguerite Bramble has taken up the new role to provide leadership in clinical nursing research, and education in aged care practice and innovation.

The appointment follows a Memorandum of Understanding between CSU and Catholic Healthcare.

Based in the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health at CSU in Bathurst, Associate Professor Bramble is a Registered Nurse, researcher, educator and consultant with expertise in gerontology, older person and dementia care.

The Chair will work with health professionals to support the delivery of person-centred aged care health services provided by Catholic Healthcare in the Central West of NSW. Her responsibilities include providing strong leadership and promoting excellence in research, professional development, and teaching, and to further develop the strong links between CSU and Catholic Healthcare.

Head of the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health Professor Catherine Hungerford said, "The Clinical Chair in Aged Care Practice Innovation is an exciting step forward that demonstrates how universities and the aged care sector can work collaboratively to improve the health and well-being of older people.

"We look forward to actively supporting Marguerite to 'make a difference' for this sometimes vulnerable group of people."  

Catholic Healthcare's Regional Manager of Residential Care, Mr Matthew Filocamo said, "The new role would help improve models of care for seniors, advance research, boost staff education, and enhance clinical practice."

Associate Professor Marguerite Bramble said, "In this collaborative role I aim to advance nurse led and multidisciplinary models of care that support Catholic Healthcare's vision of providing quality and excellence in service provision.

"Through the integration of research evidence, continuous learning and professional experience we have the opportunity to build the scope of nursing in this crucial sector.

"This way we can address the complex needs of our vulnerable older people, their families and carers."