2025 Burn Family Breakfast

Story

In July 2025, the Fiona Wood Foundation brought together people with lived experience of burn injury, carers and researchers for the Burn Patient & Carers Advisory Breakfast, held in collaboration with the Western Australian Health Translation Network’s Consumer and Community Involvement Program.

The event gave people affected by burn injury an opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives, connect directly with researchers, and contribute to discussions about burns research and recovery.

What we heard

Participants shared their perspectives on priorities for burns research, recovery and support experiences, and opportunities for future engagement with research.

Mental health, the long-term impacts of burn injury, scar management and pain management were among the research areas raised. Participants also highlighted the importance of family support, connection with other people who have experienced burn injury and access to clinical care during recovery.

Gaps identified through the discussions included access to support for people living in regional and rural areas, mental health support, information and follow-up care.

Connecting lived experience and research

Participants also heard from Fiona Wood Foundation researchers working across skin regeneration and scarring, cardiovascular health, immune function and changes in the brain following burn injury.

The session created an opportunity to speak directly with researchers, ask questions about current studies and explore ways people with lived experience can contribute to future research.

The perspectives shared at the breakfast continue to inform our approach to consumer engagement and how we create opportunities for lived experience to contribute to burns research.