Student with chronic illness among those backing Townsville hospital’s anti-racism plan

Townsville’s hospital has launched a long-awaited plan to eliminate racial inequality in health outcomes. See the detail.

The Cathedral School student, Carriage Nallajar, 18, has been a patient at the TUH for10 years with rheumatic heart disease, at the announcement of the launch of Townsville University Hospital's equity strategy. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service has officially launched its 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.

The Cathedral School student, Carriage Nallajar, 18, has been a patient at the TUH for 10 years with rheumatic heart disease, at the announcement of the launch of Townsville University Hospital's equity strategy. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Ms Ah Chin said the strategy would provide an element of self-determination for First Nations people who turn to the health service for help.

“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,” Ms Ah Chin said.

“As well as addressing the disproportionately high rates of hospitalisations and chronic diseases among First Nations people, this strategy aims to develop links with other sectors to improve outcomes in education, housing, employment and child safety.

‘‘The strategy will complement, build on and strengthen existing health service initiatives such as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Advisory Council. The group of community representatives engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers and communities on the provision of quality healthcare to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.’’

Minister for Health Yvette D'Ath in Townsville to announce the launch of Townsville University Hospital's equity strategy. Picture: Shae Beplate.

The document outlines a time frame for ‘closing the gap’ by 2031, and also aims to ensure that First Nations people are well represented in the health-sector’s workforce.

Cathedral School student and Townsville Hospital and Health Service paediatric cardiology patient Carcia Nallajar described herself as an ‘advocate’ for the goals outlined in the document, saying she had seen the impact disparities in the health sector could have while growing up with a rheumatic heart disease on Palm Island.

“I have to have an injection every 28 days to prevent my heart from attacking itself, essentially,” Carcia said.

Weir State School Wakakirri, Taylar Kay, 12, Braxton Oth, 10, and Harper Robson, 10, at the announcement of the launch of Townsville University Hospital's equity strategy. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“This could unite all of us under one umbrella. We want to eliminate racism and inequality and make sure everyone has the best chance possible in health.
“Other people within my community definitely experienced that kind of inequity. To be able to come from an indigenous community and know that you’d always be looked after in the best way possible, that would mean a lot.”

The document, which will be updated to reflect changes as the guidelines progress, is accessible online.

Originally published as Student with chronic illness among those backing Townsville hospital’s anti-racism plan