Director's welcome to Sutton Arthritis Research Laboratories
The Sutton Rheumatism Research Laboratory at Royal North Shore Hospital was opened in 1961. It was the first laboratory in Australia dedicated to arthritis research and had as its first Director, the acclaimed Australian “forefather” of rheumatology, Dr Ray Robinson, who remained at the post for 16 years. Initially funded by a very generous donation by Miss Mabel Sutton, former Principal of MLC Burwood, subsequent expansion and development has been made possible by further substantial donations, including those of Mr George Sutton, Miss Jessie Sutton, Mr Hugh and Mrs Hazel Bedwin, Mr Kelson Grey and the Robinson family.
The Sutton underwent expansions in the 1980s and 90s, made possible mainly through private donations, especially from Mrs Isabel Millner. These donations have been vital for the success of the Sutton’s research.
In the early 1990’s the Sutton joined forces with the two other laboratories at Royal North Shore Hospital studying osteoarthritis, the Raymond Purves and Murray Maxwell Laboratories, to form the Institute of Bone and Joint Research..
In 1999 the Laboratory was renamed the Sutton Arthritis Research Laboratories to better reflect our growth and research focus.
The Sutton's objective from the outset was to develop into a world-class centre of excellence in research and training. The standing and reputation of the Laboratory was quickly established and has been maintained at the highest level for more than four decades.
The Sutton has made many significant discoveries, including being first in the world to:
- isolate blood vessel cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
- discover a new wound healing agent for the treatment of both skin ulcers and tendons.
In keeping with our mission, the laboratory is a world leader in the latest advances in science associated with inflammatory arthritis. We have the latest scientific equipment which allows us to investigate the role of DNA, genes and proteins on the development of arthritis. Our laboratory utilises the latest techniques to study arthritis and continue to be internationally recognised.
We are active in the training of the future generation of scientists and rheumatologists in research. The laboratory has fostered many honours, masters of medicine and doctor of philosophy graduates.
In July 2008 we will be taking up new premises on Level 10 of the new Kolling Institute research building at RNSH that is currently under construction. This is a particularly exciting time.
Sutton's research is funded mainly by government grants and other medical research funding bodies. Recently we have been fortunate to receive generous donations from the Ulysses Club which will help the progress of our research into rheumatoid arthritis.
With the increasing expenses associated with conducting world class scientific research, your donation will advance our research progress. We guarantee that 100% of all donations go directly to research costs and are not used for administration. If you would like to help or donate, please contact our director.
