Medibank has teamed up with La Trobe University to announce a new partnership aimed at supporting future health professionals, researching health outcomes and supporting the university to deliver its 'City of the Future' in Melbourne’s north.
The partnership includes investment in health and wellbeing research, training and job opportunities for students, supporting the creation of health and wellbeing hubs to University campuses and surrounding communities, the expanded availability of digital health services and a sharper focus on the health of La Trobe’s student and employees communities.
La Trobe University has a plan to evolve into a University City of the Future at its 235 hectare Melbourne campus in Bundoora.
It says the $5 billion plan will create more than 20,000 new jobs over 10 years, education facilities for 40,000 students and additional housing for 12,000 students, staff and private residents.
Medibank chief customer officer David Koczkar said the company will deliver comprehensive and coordinated services.
“Medibank and La Trobe University have a shared focus on health and wellbeing which will help to bring La Trobe’s University City of the Future to life. Medibank’s 1,300 clinical and health professionals and our extensive wellbeing partnerships will create a healthier, more connected northern Melbourne community,” said Mr Koczkar.
“Having already invested in medical research through our Medibank Better Health Foundation, this partnership with La Trobe gives Medibank the opportunity to target our support of innovative research and ensure all Australians can benefit from it.
“As well as supporting La Trobe’s employees and students with our leading health insurance offering, we will also support student development through placements, internships and ongoing learning opportunities.”
La Trobe Vice Chancellor Professor John Dewar said the partnership will include involvement in the major health and wellbeing hub and the research and innovation precinct on the University’s Melbourne campus at Bundoora.
“The northern Melbourne municipalities of Darebin, Banyule and Whittlesea are rapidly growing and the population is ageing. With these growth challenges comes the need to provide a greater range of health services,” said Professor Dewar.
“La Trobe wants to be a part of the solution and is partnering with Medibank to address this emerging health challenge. The hub will build on La Trobe’s world-class reputation in allied health teaching, learning and research, and revolutionise the provision of local health services.”
“We are also delighted that our students will benefit from this partnership – and be part of this commitment to deliver better community health outcomes.”