Strengthening relationships with our community and partners is a strategic priority or SMHS.

We are committed to:

• engaging with the community to better define and deliver the services required to meet their health and wellbeing needs
• optimising existing partnerships and exploring new opportunities for innovative alliances both within and outside of health care.

SMHS community snapshot

The following data offers an insight into the health and wellbeing of members of the SMHS community:

• 724,054 people live in our primary catchment area. 20,027 identify as Aboriginal.
• Of our adult population:
• 25 per cent drink alcohol at levels that could lead to long-term harm
• 33 per cent eat fast food at least weekly
• 11 per cent smoke – 1 per cent less than the WA average
• 62 per cent are overweight or obese
• 41 per cent get the recommended amount of physical activity per week.

Read our latest Annual Report to learn more about the community SMHS serves.

Committed to safe, welcoming and respectful health care

The South Metropolitan Health Service (SMHS) community is diverse, with:

• 38 per cent of community members born overseas
• 137 languages spoken
• 205 ancestries represented.

It is therefore important we continue to provide culturally responsive services and offer a welcoming and inclusive workplace.

Our ‘SMHS Multicultural Action Plan 2026 – 2030: Working together to ensure everyone in our diverse community feels safe, welcomed, and respected’ affirms the SMHS commitment to leading the way in culturally responsive care and ensuring a welcoming, safe workplace for all.

Read the SMHS Multicultural Action Plan 2026 – 2030 (PDF3.3MB)

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