People with disability

Metro North Health values people of all abilities and their right for equitable access to quality health services.

We are committed to recognising and respecting the vital contribution of people with disability as both consumers and part of our Metro North Health workforce.

Accessing our facilities

We are committed to ensuring that all of our services and facilities are accessible for people with a disability.

We have a number of resources to help orient and navigate access across our services.

• Parking – including numbers of wheelchair accessible parking spaces and locations.
• Public transport options.
• Maps and directions.
• Short term drop off zones – accessible for individuals using modified vehicles and taxis.
• Information on preparing for appointments – what to bring, and contact details.

For site-specific information, visit the relevant facility websites (primarily for outpatients):

• Way to Go – Metro North

If you wish to provide feedback on any accessibility issues you have observed, please email: MetroNorth-Disability@health.qld.gov.au.

For general visitor information, visit the relevant facility websites:

• Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
• The Prince Charles Hospital
• Redcliffe Hospital
• Caboolture Hospital
• Kilcoy Hospital
• Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS)
• Community and Oral Health
• Satellite Hospitals
• Mental Health Services

Concessional parking

We are making parking more affordable and accessible for eligible patients or their primary carer when visiting our hospitals.

Who may be eligible for discounted parking?

Patients and/or their primary carer may be eligible for discounted parking if they are:

• experiencing financial hardship
• admitted to Hospital for an extended period of time
• required to attend Hospital frequently
• have special considerations and may require additional assistance.

How do I apply for discounted parking?

Application forms are available at the following locations:

• Ward reception
• Admissions and enquiries
• Outpatients departments
• Emergency and Trauma Centre
• Trust Office

For more information, or to check if you may be eligible, please discuss with your treating team.

Adult changing facilities

We are working to upgrade facilities to provide adult changing facilities for people with a disability across Metro North.

Currently accessible adult changing facilities can be found at:

• Caboolture Hospital (Changing Places accredited)
• STARS
• Bribie Island Satellite Hospital
• Caboolture Satellite Hospital
• Kallangur Satellite Hospital

Telehealth and Virtual Care

Many health services delivered by Metro North can also be accessed via Telehealth.

Benefits of Telehealth

By choosing to attend your appointment via Telehealth, you can;

• reduce/remove your need to travel.
• save money that would have been spent on parking/fuel/public transport.
• spend less time away from home and work.
• improve your access to timely care.

If you are interested in Telehealth, please discuss whether it would be appropriate for you with your healthcare team.

We have also created information about our Telehealth service in Easy Read.

Other resources

“See Me. Hear Me. Respect Me.” Campaign

Queensland Health has launched a communication campaign aimed at raising awareness about the unique health and communication needs of people with disability.

The campaign, titled ” See Me. Hear Me. Respect Me.,” aims to empower individuals, especially healthcare practitioners and health staff, to understand and respect these needs, and to create a more inclusive and supportive community where people with disability are seen, heard, and respected.

The project used a co-design approach in developing the campaign, working closely with QDN members in focus group sessions.

The slogan for the campaign, ” See Me. Hear Me. Respect Me.” was coined by QDN members and emphasises the importance of acknowledging the unique communication needs of people with disability.

Fact Sheets:

• Asking about disability
• Hosting accessible and inclusive meetings
• Working with people who are blind or have low vision
• Working with people who are Deaf or hard of hearing
• Working with people with intellectual disability

There are also See Me. Hear Me. Respect Me. campaign resources available.

Julian’s Key Health Passport

Julian’s Key Health Passport (Julian’s Key) is a communication tool designed to help healthcare staff provide you with the best care by sharing important and useful information about patients, as chosen by patients

Ryan’s Rule

Ryan’s Rule is a three step process to support patients of any age, their families and carers, to raise concerns if a patient’s health condition is getting worse or not improving as well as expected.

• Ryan’s Rule wesbite
• What is Ryan’s Rule? fact sheet
• Ryan’s Rule social script
  Use this social script with your carer or family member to understand how Ryan’s Rule works when you are admitted in hospital.

Disability advocacy

Free advocacy services are available to help people with disability to make decisions and resolve issues with services – including health services.

• National Disability Advocacy Program, Department of Social Services

Metro North initiatives

• Nurse Navigation – Disability
• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) information
• Behavioural Emergency Response Team (BERT)
  BERT is available to assist people with disability and complex challenging behaviours and their carers to receive the support they need in the right place at the right time. Ask your healthcare team about a referral to BERT.