This post is on behalf of the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit. If you have any questions or feedback regarding this initiative, please contact the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit directly.

FOR REVIEW – Draft Health Equity Strategy for First Peoples

Background

In August 2019, 12 leading health organisations across Far North Queensland gathered at Wuchopperen Health Service to commence the development of an inaugural Far North Queensland health plan for Aboriginal peoples and Torres strait Islanders, titled Stronger Mob, Living Longer.

Health system reform continues to ensure First Peoples of Queensland have equity of access and outcomes in health.  Now legislatively based, regulations and a directive to Hospital and Health Services make certain that we deliver a co-created Health Equity Strategy that strengthens our approach to date.

First Nations people in this region continue to experience poorer health outcomes than other Australians. The new Closing the Gap national agreement sets out 17 targets, including 3 specific health targets with the aim of achieving long and healthy lives, children born today are healthy and strong and that there are sustained reductions in suicide of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders.

The health targets include:

• Close the Gap in life expectancy within a generation, by 2031.
• By 2031, increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies with a healthy birthweight to 91 per cent.
• Significant and sustained reduction in suicide of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people towards zero.

Next steps

Incorporating input and contributions from Traditional Owners and local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations since November 2021, the consultation draft of the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service’s  (CHHHS) Health Equity Strategy for First Peoples  is now available for your feedback and comments.

To assist in finalising the Strategy, CHHHS kindly ask that any feedback or comments are provided by COB 25 March 2022. You can do this directly by email to chhhs_atsih@health.qld.gov.au or by completing the online survey by clicking here.