Closing the Gap

Townsville Hospital and Health Service has launched its landmark First Nations Health Equity Strategy in a significant step towards improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in North Queensland.

As featured on townsvillebulletin.com.au Thursday October 20 2022, TOWNSVILLE Hospital and Health Service has of­ficially launched it’s First Nations Health Equity Strat­egy. The document is designed to serve as a ‘living’ blueprint for achieving equal health outcomes for First Nations patients, as well as eliminat­ing institutional racism that persists throughout the healthcare system.

Townsville Hospital and Health Services Chief Executive Kieran Keyes, board chair Tony Mooney and Executive Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health Wendy Ah Chin delivered the document during an address at the NRL Cowboys House along­side Queensland health Minister Yvette D’Ath.

“We have been bold and ambitious in the design of the strategy as we aim to Close the Gap by 2031, but as the focus now shifts to implementation, our work is only just beginning.”

“The voices, insights and expertise of First Nations people have historically been left out of health service planning, but this strategy allows us to place our people and voices at the centre of health care service and delivery,”

Executive director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health Wendy Ah Chin said the strategy was predicated on self­ determination, empowerment and locally led decision-making.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s First Nations Health Equity Strategy can be accessed on line as a living document here.

You can also download the original article here.