COVID-19 Alert: We are currently at GREEN traffic light level - there is no restriction for coming to hospital to receive healthcare. Visitors are currently welcome at Metro South Health facilities, and are asked to help keep patients safe by maintaining physical distancing where possible and practising hand hygiene. See visitor restrictions and the latest Queensland Government information. [18 January 2023].
Metro South Health is committed to improving the health of all people in our region.
The mission of the Health Equity and Access Unit (HEAU) is to ensure Metro South Health offers equitable, accessible and culturally appropriate services.
We focus on priority communities which experience poor health outcomes and difficulties getting the services they need. We achieve our aims by:
- Delivering targeted clinical health services.
- Delivering targeted community interventions.
- Supporting Metro South services to improve access and cultural appropriateness.
- Developing inclusive health policies and systems.
Our 
Equity and Access Framework (PDF, 623.14 KB) provides an overview of how we conduct our business.
Food and healthy eating during COVID-19
Our unit is made up of the following specialist teams:
Access and Capacity-building Team
The Access and Capacity-building Team (ACT) ensures that our priority communities have equitable access to person-centred health services and culturally appropriate programs.
The ACT builds the cultural competence and capacity of health services to work with our priority communities and also empowers our communities to take steps to improve their health. We work with:
- multicultural communities
- people with disabilities
- people experiencing homelessness
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
In partnership with Metro South Health services, community groups and non-government organisations we offer or develop:
- community programs
- community information resources
- training and resources for health care workers
- service development support
- supportive health service policies
- research projects.
Contact: Brooke Hutchison, Team Leader; phone: 07 3156 9578; email: access&capacity@health.qld.gov.au
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teams
The Health Equity and Access Unit (HEAU) includes two areas dedicated to improving and promoting the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Coordination Team
- Southern Queensland Centre of Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Healthcare
For more information, see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Metro South Refugee Health Service
The Metro South Refugee Health Service provides specialist health care and advice for refugees and asylum seekers in our region, especially those who are newly arrived.
It also works with other community organisations and care providers.
For more information, see refugees and asylum seekers.
Our priority communities
Last updated 10 February 2021
Last reviewed 25 March 2016