Exceptional outcomes achieved towards Health Equity

Metro North Chief Executive Jackie Hanson (centre) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Executive Director Sherry Holzapfel (second from right) with Metro North Health staff and Elders connecting at a health equity showcase.

Further important steps towards the key priority of Health Equity by 2031 were achieved by Metro North Health over the past 12 months.

In 2024, several new services and programs were introduced and are already achieving exceptional outcomes for patients. These include the Deadly Feet program expansion, post-op rehabilitation services including heart and lung rehabilitation service, women’s business shared pathways, HOPE and UROC programs and the persistent pain clinic.

Metro North Health remains committed to actively eliminating racial discrimination within the service, improving access to healthcare services, influencing the social, cultural, and economic determinants of health and partnering with consumers to co-design health services.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Executive Director Adjunct Professor Sherry Holzapfel said two community consultation sessions were held as part of the health equity journey.

“We have a clear roadmap on where more focus is required on our Failure to Attend rates for outpatient appointments, potentially preventable hospitalisations for non-diabetes related conditions and increase needed in antenatal appointments for the first trimester.

“To achieve health equity, Metro North Health continues to build and establish partnerships with community-controlled organisations to deliver opportunistic health outreach services and collaboration opportunities.”

The next phase of the Health Equity Strategy 2025-2028 will be developed in co-design with key stakeholders, Elders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and staff over the coming months.

More information regarding the Health Equity journey can be found on the website.