526 - Access to Equity: Democratising Healthcare in Regional Australia

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, host Peter Birch speaks with Julie Sturgess, Chief Executive Officer of Country to Coast Queensland (CCQ), about democratising healthcare and driving equity in regional Australia.

Julie shares her perspective on the complexities of delivering care across CCQ’s diverse region, which spans remote, rural, and outer metro areas, including Central Queensland, Wide Bay, and the Sunshine Coast.

The conversation explores how data, technology, and genuine community partnerships influence new models of care, advance mental health reform, and build resilience in the face of major challenges such as disasters and homelessness.

Key Takeaways

• Equity as a Design Principle: Equity is not just an outcome but a foundational principle for CCQ. Achieving true health equity demands factoring in social determinants and measuring impact beyond clinical outcomes, including using sustainability frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Integrated, Community-led Solutions: CCQ emphasises community co-design, putting local voices at the centre of system reforms and program delivery. Data and community insights shape the priorities and development of healthcare solutions.
• Resilience and Preparedness: CCQ works with local agencies and communities to strengthen disaster preparedness and support recovery, recognising that building resilience is key to ongoing community health.
• Early Detection and Demand Management: Projects like PHASES and collecting homelessness data aim to reduce long-term systemic pressure through proactive, targeted, and data-driven approaches.
• Mental Health Reform: CCQ focuses on diversifying referral pathways and using data to streamline access to relevant care, recognising the need for tailored solutions in mental health support across regional Australia.

Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.

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