In a bid to transform healthcare accessibility for diverse communities, Metro South Health's Health Equity and Access Team (HEAT) are driving systemic changes across the board.
Brooke Hutchison, Team Leader of HEAT says their success is in their multifaceted approach, spanning training, resource development, service improvements, policy change, research, community engagement and health promotion projects.
"Our goal is not just to improve healthcare delivery but to ensure that it meets the specific needs of multicultural and disability community members,"
The HEAT team are finalists for the Queensland Health Excellence Award, in the Partnering with Consumers category for their work in partnering with people with disability.
"When we started this work, our focus was to bridge the gap in health outcomes and experiences for people with disabilities," said Brooke.
We are always engaging consumers or community members or stakeholders. These experiences drive us to keep going and do better. “
The team's approach is marked by inclusivity and innovation, leveraging diverse backgrounds within their ranks. The diversity of professional and personal experience within their team enables them to champion not only systemic improvements but also cultural competence in healthcare delivery.
“We have a small but mighty team. Everyone has their own unique value to add to the conversation.”
Reflecting on the nomination, Brooke says she is proud of their accomplishments and thankful for the organisation’s support that has enabled their initiatives to thrive.
“Whilst we are one team, we can't do this work without all the support of so many other people in Metro South Health.”
“We want there to be a future where we take a background role. That would mean that we have achieved creating a health care system where no matter who you are, what your background is, you feel safe and supported and get the care that you need.”
While they are finalists for the Queensland Health Excellence Award, they are winners in our eyes.
Congratulations and thank you to the HEAT team for their tireless work advocating for inclusivity and championing our consumers voices across MSH.