Groundbreaking clinical trial earns Concord Burns Unit honour.
 

Sydney Local Health District is proud to celebrate our Concord Hospital Burns Unit for winning the Health Innovation award at the 2025 NSW Health Awards.

The Unit’s groundbreaking 3D bioprinted skin project is a first-in-human clinical trial currently for burns victims and it is expected to advance the treatment of any sort of soft-tissue loss.

Dr Jo Maitz, Group Lead of the Burns and Reconstructive Surgery Research Group at the Concord Burns Unit, said she was honoured to accept the award on behalf of an incredible multidisciplinary team of engineers, clinicians and scientists.

“It is with great excitement that we stand here today knowing that we are just at the beginning of the future of soft tissue reconstruction,” she said.

Dr Maitz said she was particularly grateful to patients who had agreed to be part of the clinical trial of the technology.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thank you to the patients who participated in this study,” she said. “Their trust and their willingness to participate in this groundbreaking work inspires us every day and reminds us why we do what we do.”

The world-leading treatment uses a patient’s own cells to 3D print new skin onto a wound. Early studies showed the 3D-printed skin encourages faster wound healing and significantly reduces pain for patients.

In May, patient Rebecca Jane Torbruegge told of how surprised she was by the lack of pain she experienced while undergoing the treatment after suffering a burn to her leg.

“I was so surprised there was no pain,” she said. “I was expecting some pain, at least in the spot where they took the graft, but it was fine. My biggest issue was staying still for six days!”

District Chief Executive Deb Willcox AM said the award was wonderful recognition of the Concord Hospital Burns Unit and its remarkable track record of innovation and world-class care.

“The Concord Hospital Burns Unit has an incredible history and this award acknowledges the strength of the team,” she said.

“We are so proud of the work done by everyone who contributes to the success of the Unit, from the clinicians and researchers driving innovation to the allied health staff, the admin staff and the cleaners who support them.”

Read more about the team’s remarkable achievement.