FAQs2022-05-31T16:01:40+10:00

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some questions that are regularly asked about health equity and health equality, and what Metro North are trying to achieve with the Metro North Health Equity Strategy.

Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities. Equity recognises that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.

The Metro North Health Equity Strategy describes our commitment to drive health equity, eliminate institutional racism across the public health system and achieve life expectancy parity for Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples by 2031.

Making Tracks Together – Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Equity Framework details the policy settings and strategic directions for Hospital and Health Services (HHSs) to develop and implement new Health Equity Strategies as required by the Health Legislation Amendment Act 2020 and the Hospital and Health Boards Regulation 2012.

A commitment to health equity requires reform, change and improvement across the entire health system—it can’t be a continuation of the status quo or business as usual. Now is the time to be bold and brave because all parts of the health system need, can and should do better.

The Metro North Health Equity Strategy will be co-designed and co-developed by April 2022.

Metro North Health staff, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners, Native Title holders, Elders and consumers, The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community services, other Government, community and primary care organisations within the Metro North area.

In addition, the development and implementation stakeholders are Health and Wellbeing Queensland, The Chief Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Officer (CATSIHO) and Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC).

Queensland has until 2031 to Close the Gap and achieve life expectancy parity with Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

In order to accelerate effort and engage all aspects of the health system and broader community, Queensland Health has commenced an ambitious First Nations health equity reform agenda, underpinned by the most progressive legislation in Australia to deliver locally co-designed, co-owned and co-implemented First Nations Health Equity Strategies.

The commencement of the new Hospital and Health Boards (Health Equity Strategies) Amendment Regulation 2021 on 30 April has substantially changed the legal framework guiding the public health system in Queensland by prioritising First Nations health equity.

The new legislative amendments provide the authority to redesign and reshape the way health systems deliver service in partnership with Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations, and other key stakeholders.

The highest priority for closing the gap in mortality will be through addressing mortality rates from external causes, respiratory diseases and digestive diseases.

The Executive Director, Metro North Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Executive Director, Strategy Planning, Assets and Infrastructure will be the joint Executive project sponsors for this Strategy. The final Strategy will be approved by the Metro North Health Board.

Contact the Health Equity Program by phoning (07) 3139 6621 or email HealthEquityMNH@health.qld.gov.au

Join the conversation #ourhealthourway #forcommunity via the Better Together Health Van

Visit the Better Together Health Van Facebook Page

Contact us

Health Equity Program

Phone: (07) 3139 6621
HealthEquityMNH@health.qld.gov.au

Visit our Facebook Page

Join the conversation #ourhealthourway #forcommunity via the Better Together Health Van Facebook page

“Health Equity means Opportunity and Change.”

Wayne AhBoo, Moreton ATSICHS

“The voices, lived experiences, and cultural authority of our people are integral to the co-design, co-ownership and co-implementation of our Health Equity Strategy.”

Sherry Holzapfel - Executive Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health

“If we be too sensitive, we won’t fix anything.”

Uncle Charles Passi

“You have the full commitment from the Board and Metro North Leadership to co-design with Elders, community, and partners to make our hospital and health services accessible, free from racism and discrimination, culturally safe and responsive.”

Jim McGowan - Board Chair, Metro North Health

“Still keep fighting.”

Aunty Brenda Kanofski

“You have to understand the patient journey. You have to understand health starts at home.”

Cleveland Fagan - Chief Executive, Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council
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