The Mackay HHS acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional and Cultural Custodians of the lands, waters and seas across the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nation) peoples, acknowledging Elders past and present and recognise the role of current and emerging leaders in shaping our health systems.
We also acknowledge Australian South Sea Islander people, their historical relationship with First Nation peoples and the contributions they have made in our community.
What does Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health do?
- Improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Provide strategic leadership, direction, support and advice on effective implementation of policies and reforms.
- Work with staff to develop and deliver culturally appropriate services and models of health care for patients, their families and carers.
- Partner with health sector support organisations and providers to address health inequities throughout the region.
- Identify health care needs and support the development of improvement strategies for Australian South Sea Islander health.
Our Services
How can the Hospital Liaison Service assist you?
This service is for people who identify as being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander peoples.
We provide culturally appropriate, non-clinical support to inpatients and their families during their hospital stay at the Mackay Base, Sarina, Proserpine and Bowen Hospitals.
Should you require support please email: Hospital_Liaison_Service@health.qld.gov.au or phone: 4885 5956.
Community Generalist Health Service
Our Community Generalist Health Team consists of a male and female health worker that are able to provide assistance.
Contact
Manager Health Programs (Women’s Health)
Phone 4968 3764 Mobile 0419 732 296
Senior Health Worker Programs (Men’s Health)
Phone 4885 6021 Mobile 0428 200 165
All enquiries can also be sent via email to: MHHS-ATSIH@health.qld.gov.au
Maternal and Infant Health Service
Our maternal and infant health service provides support for pregnant women and their families up to six-weeks post-birth.
Contact
Advanced Health Worker Maternal and Infant Health
Mobile 0439 873 939
All enquiries can also be sent via email to: MHHS-ATSIH@health.qld.gov.au
Mackay Community Health
We have Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander health workers across various areas of our community health centres.
These include:
- Home and Community Health,
- Mental Health Services,
- Sexual Health Services and
- Child, Youth and Family Health Services.
All enquiries can also be sent via email to: MHHS-ATSIH@health.qld.gov.au
Deadly Choices Program
Deadly Choices is a program which informs participants about staying strong and healthy, maintaining healthy lifestyles and making positive lifestyle choices.
The program nurtures leadership and encourages participants to become positive mentors and role models in their community.
Contact
Coordinator Youth and Young People’s Program
Phone 4885 6022
Mobile 0409 569 810
All enquiries can also be sent via email to: MHHS-ATSIH MHHS-ATSIH@health.qld.gov.au
Working towards Health Equity
In August 2020, amendments to the Hospital and Health Board Act 2011 (QLD) required Hospital and Health Services (HHS) to develop a Health Equity Strategy. This will include working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (First Nations peoples) and organisations that support their health needs.
Additionally, Australian South Sea Islanders experience health inequity, like that of First Nations peoples. Mackay HHS also aims to collate and share information to inform the health needs of the Australian South Sea Islander population within our region. For more information about Health Equity, please visit here.
Join the Health Equity Advisory Group (HEAG)
Mackay HHS is seeking community members to join the Health Equity Advisory Group (HEAG). The HEAG is part of the Mackay Hospital and Health Board governance structure and is being established to bring the voice of Aboriginal, Torres Strait and Australian South Sea Islander patients, carers and the community into the planning, design, delivery and evaluation of healthcare throughout the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions.
For find out more please see our flyer. To submit an expression of interest please complete this application form.
Our Mob Together Strong Health Equity Strategy – hearing your voice
Our Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac mob, together are strong! Hearing the voice of our local community will help us get our Health Equity Strategy right.
You are invited to complete a questionnaire to put forward what you believe are challenges and opportunities for improving health outcomes for our mob. To have your say, please visit here.
