What do pandas and pain relief have in common?

A collaboration between Northern Health and RMIT University, the PANDA project is an exciting research initiative exploring the role acupuncture could play in relieving pain in Northern Hospital’s Emergency Department.

Known for their calm, relaxed nature, pandas are the perfect mascot for the PANDA project – otherwise known as the Personalised Add-on Acupuncture service at Northern Emergency Department for Acute pain. in the Emergency Department.

Cognis Technology have since made a generous $50,000 donation to further investigate the benefits of acupuncture and support the roll out of the program. With around one in three people presenting to the Emergency Department in acute pain, the project aims to explore how acupuncture, delivered by registered acupuncturists, could be safely and seamlessly integrated into the fast-paced emergency care setting.

Emergency Physician and Principal Investigator, Dr Heng Cheok, is currently undertaking further study with the Australian Medical Acupuncture College as part of his sabbatical to deepen his understanding of acupuncture and its application in healthcare. 

The generosity of our community was instrumental in establishing PANDA, including supporting acupuncturist, Amy O’Brien, to work two days a week Dr Heng Cheok, Emergency Department Physician and Site Principal Investigator for the PANDA project and Ms Amy O’Brien and Emergency Continued support will be critical as we seek to expand the service, including funding a second part-time acupuncturist so that even more patients can benefit from the pain-relieving power of acupuncture.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the PANDA project so far. Because of your generosity, we can give more people in pain the opportunity to experience the benefits of acupuncture.