OUR PEOPLE
Improving the health of vulnerable groups
Vulnerable populations – including those with socio-economic disadvantage or with a diverse cultural or linguistic background – are at significant risk of poor health and poor access to health care, and are more likely to experience significant disparities in life expectancy and socio-economic status (Rukmana 2014). Emerging evidence from our community engagements indicated access to primary healthcare services is worst for vulnerable populations within the PHN region. The following population groups have been identified as vulnerable populations who are at greater risk of not accessing primary health care services and increased risk of living with chronic conditions: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, CALD, low income or homeless, LGBTQI+ population, young people, older people and rural/remote communities, people experiencing mental health conditions.
Opportunities
Vulnerable populations can benefit from additional support to access the health care they need. For example, in consultations with rural communities, service providers repeatedly mentioned the need for a service that would function as a helper, facilitator or ‘bridge-builder’ between services and vulnerable groups.
Potential focus areas include:
- health centres and local community mentors, social workers, facilitators and coordinators
- holistic collaboration between health and other social services – for example, between health and education services
- outreach health and education services for vulnerable groups in regional areas
- language support services attached to health services in areas with high levels of culturally and linguistically diverse residents
- health services at the community level and in different languages
- health transport from rural regional areas to centres for specialised health services.
Collaborative partners
- Hospital and Health Services
- Local Governments
- Peak bodies and service partners
- Accreditation and training agencies
- Community leaders.
The outcomes of these actions will be seen in:
- reduced levels of chronic disease in areas experiencing socio-economic disadvantage
- increased participation in primary and preventive healthcare programs
- reduced representation of socio-economically disadvantaged and culturally and linguistically diverse residents in acute and emergency care.
Our progress
The needs of vulnerable groups in the region have remained similar to the 2019–21 HNA. In general, the region has similar socio-economic disadvantage to the average for Queensland, and fewer people from a culturally or linguistically diverse background. However, some regional areas have a higher proportion of people from vulnerable groups and ensuring their access to appropriate health care is important to support their health outcomes.
Related priorities
Improving the health of older Australians - read more ›
Preventing and managing chronic conditions - read more ›
Providing primary mental health care - read more ›
Treating alcohol and drug use - read more ›