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We will deliver focussed and accessible services for those who need it most.

Life expectancy for WA’s country people is around two years lower than for WA’s metropolitan people, but in remote and very remote communities across Australia the mortality rate is 30% higher than in our cities. Life expectancy is also much lower for WA’s Aboriginal people and people suffering from chronic and persistent mental health conditions. To be a global leader we must address this inequity. We are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of vulnerable and disadvantaged people by targeting the most critical health issues, improving health outcomes for disadvantaged communities, investing in health promotion, and ensuring that we support people at the stage of their lives where they need it most.

Actions

Invest in treating the health issues that are most damaging to country people
The health issues that cause the most harm to country communities are known therefore we will invest in services that reduce their impact. Our efforts will include addressing the social and environmental determinants of these issues. We have prepared strategies to address the highest priority issues, for example the Early Years, Cancer, Kidney Health, Aboriginal Health and Mental Health and Wellbeing.

Improve health outcomes for individuals and communities experiencing disadvantage
All country Western Australians should have access to the same quality of care, irrespective of location, cultural background, or socio-economic circumstances. We will focus on improving health outcomes for individuals and communities experiencing socioeconomic and cultural disadvantage, homelessness, or have complex chronic conditions, with a particular focus on Aboriginal health, mental health and victims of family and domestic violence.

Invest in health promotion and prevention initiatives for at-risk populations
Advances in medical technology such as genomics and the use of artificial intelligence are enabling earlier, more accurate identification of individuals who are at-risk of health conditions. We will be proactive in targeting at-risk populations to address health risks at the earliest point in time, and, where possible, prevent the need for hospitalisation. Key areas of focus include early childhood, vaccination, smoking, obesity, mental health, harmful alcohol use and the social determinants of health.

Support people at the critical stages of life
At different stages of life people require extra care and support, irrespective of their medical history, their cultural background and socio-economic circumstances. This includes the first 1,000 and last 1,000 days of life, where the care and support provided can have a profound impact on the individual, their families and their loved ones. We have prepared strategies to improve the care we provide through these stages of life; including our Maternal and Newborn Care Strategy, and Health Strategy for Older People. We will ensure these are implemented across all regions over the next five years. Our approach to caring for older people will promote independence and support effective relationships with aged care and disability services to ensure people access care in the most appropriate setting.

Measures of success

• ↑ Improved health outcomes for Aboriginal people
• ↑ Access to mental health services
• ↑ Early diagnoses and treatment of targeted conditions
• ↑ Investment in health prevention activities
• ↓ Targeted potentially preventable hospitalisations
• ↑ Vaccination rates
• ↑ Screening rates