The Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and the Greater Building Society will today launch a significant research partnership which will enhance stroke care for Hunter people.

The Greater Building Society has committed $180,000 over three years to HMRI to attract leading neurologist and stroke researcher Dr Neil Spratt to the Hunter.

As the Greater Building Society Senior Research Fellow in Stroke Dr Spratt will join HMRI's Stroke Research Group, which is recognised as the state leader in clinical research into stroke. He will study damage that occurs to the brain as a result of stroke and investigate therapies to limit damage.

"The Greater Building Society's donation has played a critical part in attracting Dr Spratt to Newcastle. He is one of a rare breed of young clinician-scientists who combine clinical care of patients with basic laboratory research to improve the community's health," said the Head of the HMRI Stroke Research Group, Dr Chris Levi.

"Bridging the gap between the basic neuroscience and clinical stroke research domains will greatly enhance our ability to develop new treatments and preventive strategies in stroke and to move them as rapidly as possible from the laboratory to the bedside."

In addition to his laboratory work, Dr Spratt will work on the acute stroke unit at John Hunter Hospital and provide neurology services to the community.

Greater Building Society Assistant General Manager Don Magin said the Greater was very pleased to support Dr Spratt because it provided a double benefit to the community.

"Not only do we have another leading researcher here in the Hunter, patients in the acute stroke unit will benefit from an additional experienced neurologist," Mr Magin said.

Stroke accounts for approximately 630 deaths and over 2,200 admissions to hospital in the Hunter New England area each year. Dr Spratt will commence work in November.

• What? Launch of the Greater Building Society Stroke Research Fellowship
• When? Monday 18th September 2006
• Time? 10am
• Where? Meet at the Information Desk inside the Royal Newcastle Centre
• Who? Dr Neil Spratt and representatives from HMRI and the Greater Building Society will be available for interview