Shifting the focus to outcomes and experiences
The First Nations Health Office is driving a shift in how health system performance is understood, placing greater focus on individual and family experiences and outcomes rather than activity numbers alone.
- Right place: receiving care closer to home supports stronger connections to family, community and culture. Local outpatient appointments reduce travel and increase care in familiar, supportive environments.
- Better care experiences: access to local accommodation and family connections help people feel comfortable and improve outcomes.
- Improved health outcomes: understanding why some emergency visits occur – such as limited access to GPs or early intervention – helps prevent avoidable harm and reduces emergency care burden.
- Better staff experience: more staff deliver care in community settings through outreach, telehealth and culturally safe clinics, supporting more responsive and effective care.
- Improved performance and sustainability: focusing on local staff, facilities and technologies creates adaptable, sustainable services without adding complexity.
- Environmental stewardship: telehealth and phone appointments reduce travel demands for patients and staff, supporting lower emissions and improving access in rural and remote areas.
Foot health is life-saving health
Story | Metro North
Cultural safety is the foundation of the Deadly Feet program, which provides foot health care in trusted, community settings. Innisfail Elder Aunty Helenor Rassip met the team at a Caboolture community event.
‘It was just by chance, they had the van set up. I asked about the program and I told them about my feet, and they all worked on me. I had surgery booked that week.’
Aunty Helenor
Deadly Feet Project Lead, Annette Redhead, said Aunty Helenor’s story highlighted the importance of meeting community members where they are already engaging and feel comfortable.
‘The doctor confirmed if Aunty Helenor’s disease didn’t have any intervention, she would have been looking at a below the knee amputation within the next 6 months,’ Annette said.