Mater has strengthened its commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of First Nations people through the signing of a new strategy with the Queensland Government. 

The South East Queensland First Nations Health Equity Strategy outlines clear pathways to closing the gap in health outcomes between First Nations people and other Queenslanders by 2031.

The strategy is the initiative of the Queensland Government and the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) and provides a way to unite South East Queensland’s Hospital and Health Services on the best way to achieve health outcome parity.

Mater Chief Executive Officer Dr Peter Steer, along with leaders of the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) and of South East Queensland Hospital and Health Services, signed the strategy at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service (ATSICHS) in South Brisbane on Monday 22 November.

Dr Steer said the strategy identified new ways of working to make the health system more accessible, more connected and more responsive for First Nations people.

“Mater’s Mission has always been to respond to unmet community need and provide compassionate care to those who need it most – that hasn’t changed,” Dr Steer said.

“As part of this strategy, we will work together with the other HHSes to lift health outcomes for First Nations people and build on the initiatives already offered at Mater.”

Dr Steer said Mater had a number of culturally-appropriate support program and services, but there was always more to be done.

“For example, Mater hgs Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support services for people with perinatal mental health issues and young adults in our Emotional Heath Unit,” he said.

“Mater has also been part of the Birthing in Our Communities partnership program since 2013 – providing pregnant women with full wrap-around support services from pregnancy to early parenthood.

 “But of course, there is always room for improvement which is why it’s important for Mater to be part of this strategy.”

Dr Steer said Mater would work closely with other HHSes in South East Queensland, as well as the IUIH to continue to improve health comes for First Nations People.

Find more information on the strategy at Mater Health Strategy.