General News
25 March, 2025
Hospital shines spotlight on Closing the Gap
The North West Hospital and Health Service put on a special event at the hospital last week.
Mount Isa Hospital has put the spotlight on national Close the Gap Day, bringing together local organisations to highlight the commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of First Nations people.
The North West Hospital and Health Service was joined by Gidgee Healing Aboriginal Medical Centre, MOB FM, and the Queensland Police Service.
Christine Mann, the executive director of First Nations Health at NWHHS, emphasised the importance of fostering a culturally inclusive and safe health service.
“We are committed to ensuring First Nations consumers receive the care they need in an environment that respects and understands their cultural identity,” she said.
Ms Mann highlighted the significant representation of First Nations staff within the NWHHS, noting that they exceeded the national target by three times, comprising 10 per cent of the workforce.
“Having a strong and well-represented First Nations workforce, complemented by skilled clinicians and support staff, is vital for enhancing accessibility, ensuring culturally safe healthcare, and improving patient experience,” she explained.
A key initiative currently under way is the partnership with Orange Sky, aimed at reducing the incidence of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and rheumatic fever in First Nations communities.
The program, which provides access to clean linen and clothing in Mornington Island, Doomadgee, and Mount Isa, has contributed to an almost 50 percent reduction in rheumatic fever and RHD cases by significantly reducing scabies, sores, and infected skin abrasions. In addition to the Orange Sky partnership, NWHHS has implemented various measures to combat RHD, including enhanced training for health workers, clinicians, and community members, enabling earlier identification of risks and symptoms.
“These targeted efforts align with our goal of closing the life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians by 2030,” Ms Mann said.
The NWHHS First Nations Health Equity Strategy 2022-2025 outlines a commitment to redesigning health services to ensure greater employment for First Nations staff, amplify their voices, and build a more integrated and culturally responsive system.
The overarching goal remains to ensure equitable healthcare for all.