Our health promotion priorities
In collaboration with our local government, hospitals and non-government organisations, our five priority health promotion areas are:
- reducing use of tobacco, vapes and other nicotine products
- promoting healthy eating and active living
- reducing harms from alcohol use
- preventing injuries and promoting safer communities
- optimising mental health and wellbeing.
Read below to learn about the projects SMHS Health Promotion delivers.
The SMHS Health Promotion team supports stakeholders, including LGAs, to develop and deliver alcohol harm minimisation strategies at a local level and create safer alcohol environments.
Key State Government alcohol campaign messages are actively promoted within SMHS hospitals to support staff wellbeing.
Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in Western Australia and is responsible for the second highest level of drug-related harm surpassed only by tobacco. Alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing serious health conditions, including:
- cardiovascular disease
- some cancers
- stroke
- alcohol related dementia
- high blood pressure
- liver and pancreatic disease
Harm can occur both from single episodes of heavy drinking and from long-term, frequent alcohol use. According to National Health and Medical Research Council, no level of alcohol consumption can be considered completely safe.
To learn more about reducing risk of alcohol-related harm, visit Alcohol and Your Health (Healthy WA).
Healthy eating
SMHS Health Promotion works with hospitals and local governments to create healthy food environments that promote nutritious choices and positive eating behaviours. We strive to ensure safe, dignified access to nutritious food for all in our community, with a focus on supporting the most vulnerable.
It is recommended Australian adults aged 18 years and over eat 2 serves of fruit and 5 serves of vegetables daily to protect against the risk of various diseases, including:
- coronary heart disease
- type 2 diabetes
- stroke
- digestive system cancers.
SMHS Health Promotion supports the implementation of the WA Department of Health Healthy Options WA Policy (external site) to ensure healthy options are available to staff and visitors across all SMHS hospital sites. We facilitate the implementation of all policy requirements relating to:
- retail outlets and vending machines
- business catering and fundraising
- promotional materials.
The Health Promotion team assists local governments with developing public health plans that include healthy food and drink policies, as well as supporting programs and initiatives that address food security and foster healthy food environments at a local level.
Active living
In partnership with stakeholders, SMHS Health Promotion creates and advocates for environments that support physical activity, including:
- promoting the Cancer Council WA LiveLighter - Move more (external site) campaign, resources and initiatives.
- seeking opportunities to promote active travel to and from work.
Regular physical activity:
- lowers the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes
- boosts both physical and mental wellbeing.
The Physical activity and exercise guidelines for all Australians (external site) from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing recommend that each week adults aged 18 to 64 years aim for either:
- 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate intensity physical activity
- 1.25 to 2.5 hours of vigorous intensity physical activity
- a mix of both.
Staying active helps you lead a healthier, happier life– visit Healthy WA (external site) for tips on getting and staying active.
Good mental health is vitally important for overall wellbeing. This theme intersects with all of the SMHS Health Promotion priority areas, as mental health influences healthy behaviours and vice versa.
Being involved within a community, being active, having a sense of belonging and purpose are protective factors that support and influence good mental health and wellbeing.
SMHS Health Promotion:
- considers mental health protective factors in all project and program design
- partners with Mentally Healthy WA’s Act Belong Commit (external site) to promote campaign messages.
Strategies for mental health promotion and mental illness prevention are outlined by the Mental Health Commission in the Western Australian Mental Health Promotion, Mental Illness, Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Plan 2025–2030 which is in development.
The SMHS Health Promotion team works collaboratively with local governments, non-government, community and key stakeholders to deliver falls prevention programs and reduce harm from injury.
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and hospitalisations in Western Australia, posing a serious public health and economic burden for families and the healthcare system. For information on how to reduce the risk of falls visit Healthy WA (external site).
All abilities ‘Move Your Body’ falls prevention project
SMHS HP and the City of Mandurah partnered to deliver a ‘Move Your Body’ falls prevention project, targeting the local older adult population (60+ years) and inclusive of people with disability. The project was supported by an Injury Matters grant, as part of the Stay On Your Feet® program.
Six exercise sessions of 90 minutes each were delivered at three local park reserves across Mandurah to support older adults of all abilities build confidence to participate in physical activity and use accessible outdoor fitness equipment.
Key achievements included:
- 73 participants were recorded as attending the sessions and self-reported increases in their knowledge and awareness of falls prevention strategies, their confidence and intent to participate in physical activity.
- Take-home information bags were distributed to all participants including a localised exercise booklet and falls prevention resources.
- An evaluation report was disseminated to partners.
SMHS Health Promotion supports the implementation of the WA Department of Health Smoke Free Policy (external site). The policy aims to protect and prevent health risks associated with potential exposure to second hand tobacco and e-cigarette (vape) smoke for all staff, visitors, patients and hospital volunteers.
Within the hospital setting the team works actively to support the SMHS Smoke Free Implementation Plan including:
- staff education, awareness and procedures to support patient smoke and vape free cessation care
- promotion and support of the staff nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) program
- creating supportive environments that align with the smoke free policy (signage, messaging and communications).
In collaboration with local government authorities, SMHS Health Promotion support smoke and vape free environments, programs and initiatives including:
- Breath of fresh air: Cockburn Gateway Shopping City smoke and vape free project
- Kwinana Darius Wells Library and Resource Centre smoke and vape free signage upgrades
- Waroona Railside Breath of fresh air smoke and vape free project.
Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death and disease in Australia. It significantly increases the risk of developing a range of serious health conditions, including:
- respiratory illnesses
- coronary heart disease
- stroke
- some cancers, particularly lung and oral cancers.
Within SMHS, approximately 9 per cent of the population currently smoke, which is slightly lower than the Western Australian average of 11.3 per cent.