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Celebrate International GYN Awareness Day!

Gain Inc. Gynaecological Awareness Information Network seeks your support to promote the International GYN Awareness Day (IGAN).

To celebrate the day they would like to invite you to an afternoon of fashion, fun and straight talk about the very important topic of Gynaecoloy/sexual health during HIGH TEA AT THE HILTON, on 11 September 2010, 2pm - 4pm.

If you are interested in participating in International GYN Awareness Day:

Click here for further details about the event

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World Sexual Health Day:

4th September 2010

The World Association for Sexual Health warmly invites you to join them in celebrating sexual health and sexual rights through a series of discussions, public gatherings on this day.

Further details about the event can be found through the following links:

Celebrate World Sexual Health Day

Information on World Sexual Health Day

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"Stay on Your Feet" Keep Balanced, Healthy and Active Seminar Workshop for WA Seniors

Interested in finding out more about how you can maintain or regain your health, balance, mobility and most importantly your ability to "Stay on Your Feet" and enjoy the active, quality life you deserve in your senior years?

The "Stay on Your Feet" Keep Balanced, Healthy and Active Seminar Workshop is designed with special emphasis on encouraging and empowering senior healthcare consumers who are rehabilitating and/or challenged by loss of balance due to illness, injury or chronic conditions.

To find out more: Click here for further details of the event and the topics to be covered.

Last update: 31/08/2010

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Maxine's Farewell Afternoon Tea - Thursday 22 July at 3.30 pm

After 16 years of dedicated service to Health Consumers’ Council, Maxine Drake, Senior Advocate will be leaving the HCC team.

We would like to invite you to come along and wish her well for the future on:

Thursday 22 July at 3.30 pm
Health Consumers’ Council Office
40 Lord Street (Cnr of Lord and Wellington Sts)
EAST PERTH

To RSVP, please ring 9221 3422 or email info@hconc.org.au by Monday 19 July

Last update: 19/07/2010

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New Consumer Representative Vacancies

Click here to access new vacancies for consumer representative placements

New opportunities for consumer representatives to consider:

8th Australasian Conference on Safety and Quality in Health Care (Calls for Expressions of Interest)

Human Research Ethics Committee

Gynaecological Cancer Working Group

Non-Communicable Disease Cluster Guidelines Working Group

University of Western Australia: Endometrial Cancer Research Project

Mount Private Hospital Quality and Risk Management Committee

Closing date for these opportunities is Friday 6 August, 2010.

If you are interested and would like to find out more about being a Consumer Representative, click here for further information on our Consumer Representative Skills Training Workshop and our Consumer Activism Training Workshop.

Last update: 19/07/2010

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Consumer Participation - HCC Workshops available

Are you interested to have your say in the health system?

Health Consumers' Council invites you to take part in the following workshop(s):

Consumer Representative Skills Training Workshop (for those interested in consumer participation in the health system and want to learn more)

The following dates are available for 2010 (you only need to take part in one)

Friday 20 August

Saturday 23 October

Consumer Activism Workshop (for experienced consumer representatives)

Monday 25 October

Click here for further information on our Consumer Representative Skills Training Workshop and our Consumer Activism Training Workshop.

Last update: 19/07/2010

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Advance Health Directive: Further Info

Anyone interested to obtain a copy of the Advance Health Directive form and further information can ring 1300 518 963

For an Enduring Power of Guardianship form and information, please ring the Office of the Public Advocate at 1300 858 455.

For further information, go online to http://www.health.wa.gov.au/advancehealthdirective/home/

or ring the WA Department of Health on 9222 4112

Last update: 02/07/2010

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CHF Quality Use of Pathology Consumer Consultation Project

Click here to access the report.

CHF will also be conducting a range of consumer consultations around the country in August related to the MBS Quality Framework. You can find out more information on the Project on: https://www.chf.org.au/medicare-benefits-schedule-activities.php

Last update: 02/07/2010

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Patients... Not numbers, People... Not statistics (August 2009)

Click here to access the report.

Last update: 02/07/2010

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Proposed National Safety and Quality Framework Consultation Report (May 2010)

This report can be viewed on the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care website: http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/internet/safety/publishing.nsf/Content/com-pubs_NSQF

The final draft of the National Safety and Quality Framework will be publicly released after it has been presented to Health Ministers for endorsement in 2010.

Feedback from the consultation process indicated widespread support for the Framework, as well as a need for information about how the elements in the Framework can be put into practice. To support this need, the Commission is developing a series of guides to support people to use the Framework. These guides will be released with the revised Framework.

Please contact Emily Davis on (02) 9263 3794 or email Emily.Davis@Health.gov.au for further information.

Last update: 16/06/2010

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About HCC

Changes have been made to our About Us page! We have now included our policies.

Click here to access our "About Us" page.

Last update: 16/06/2010

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Health Matters Issue 80

Click here to read our latest Newsletter!

Last update: 16/06/2010

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CHF Submission to the 2010 - 11 Federal Budget (Dec 2009)

CHF welcomes the opportunity to provide a submission to the Treasurer on the 2010-11 Federal Budget, particularly at a time of major health reform in Australia. The health reform agenda brings Australia an exciting opportunity to improve its health care system. Consumers want a system that is people-centred, navigable, affordable, accessible, safe and of high quality. To achieve this, the Australian Government must invest in the inclusion of consumers, with their unique and valuable perspectives, as partners in the health system.

Click here to read the full submission by CHF

Last update: 28/1/09

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Roslyne's Story

Click here to read her story!

Last update: 28/1/09

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Improving Men's Health

Improving Men's Health Executive Summary Report and Recommendations are available on the Clinical Senate of Western Australia's website on http://www.clinicalsenate.health.wa.gov.au/home/index.cfm

Click here for more information on improving men's health!

Last update: 28/1/09

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Invitation to Health Issues Group Meeting

During the first meeting for 2010, Health Issues Group will be having an open discussion on how the group should proceed for 2010 in February. There will be no agenda, and ALL members will have an opportunity to discuss how the group should proceed.

Date: Thursday 4 February 2010

Time: 1 pm to 3 pm

Venue: Health Consumers’ Council
Room 18, Wellington Fair
40 Lord Street (Corner of Lord and Wellington Streets)
East Perth

Health Issues Group is a forum open to anyone interested in raising health issues they believe are a concern to the Western Australian community. Membership of this group is open to consumers of health services, whether they are members of Health Consumers’ Council or not. Health Issues Group meets every first Thursday of the month (except January and December), from 1 pm to 3 pm.

Contact Cheryl Rugdee on 9221 3422 or email cheryl.rugdee@hconc.org.au to indicate your interest to be a part of this meeting!

Click here for your invite to this meeting!

Last update: 12/1/09

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WA Health Consumer Carer and Community Engagement Framework: for health services, hospitals and WA Health following consultation across WA Health

The Framework establishes the legitimacy of consumer, carer and community engagement as an integral part of the health system and business, and highlights the current policy and service environment it will be introduced into.

Click here to read the WA Framework document!

Last update: 12/1/09

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DHAC eNewsletter

HCC is pleased to circulate the latest issue of DHAC eNewsletter. In future, past issues of this newsletter can be accessed from our website from www.hconc.org.au/ourservices/DHAC.html

Click here to read HCC December Issue of DHAC eNewsletter!

Last update: 12/1/09

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HCC Annual Christmas Morning Tea!

Thank you to everyone who took the time out in their day to be a part of the Annual Christmas Morning Tea on Wednesday 2 December 2009.

Once again, congratulations to all who recieved the Consumer Excellence Awards. They are:

Dr Jaye Martin

For excellent patient care and for outstanding work in the Kimberley providing clinical treatment and care to people in remote communities.

Congratulations to Dr Jaye Martin.

Yagarrbulanjin Mental Health Support Group(Broome; established in 1998)

The group was established to assist Aboriginal families and carers of people with mental illness in the Broome area. Mrs Elizabeth Kada was the founder of the group and she also assisted families with court matters. Yagarrbulanjin was instrumental in negotiating a rooming-in service at the Broome hospital for the families of children with mental illness.

Congratulation to Elizabeth and the group for their marvellous work with Aboriginal families and carers.

Sally Towie, nurse unit manager Warren-Blackwood Hospital and her team for their outstanding effort in managing the emergency response to a bus crash south of Perth in October 2008.

Under her leadership, Warren Hospital which is designed to cope with a maximum of 2 critically injured patients successfully handled 13 critically injured patients.

Congratulation to Sally and the team at Warren Blackwood Hospital.

Community Advisory Council at Sir Charles Gardener Hospital

For their marvellous and innovative work over a number of years and the partnerships established with the health service providers. HCC has noted the Council involvement in:

• the 4 hour rule programme
• the implementation of the Carers Recognition Act
• participation in the planning and design of the Cancer Centre stage 2 and;
• the older patients initiative amongst the many projects involving the Community Advisory Council     
  

Congratulation to Charles Gardener Community Advisory Council.

Melissa Vernon Area Director WA Country Health Service

For her outstanding work in consumer and community engagement over the years in regional and remote Western Australia and your advocacy for country patients and their families.

Thank you all for your time and participation, and we look forward to working with everyone in 2010.

Last update: 18/12/09

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Consumer Workshop on draft National Safety and Quality in Healthcare Standards

If you are interested to have your say on the draft National Safety and Quality in Healthcare Standards, we invite you to take part in this workshop for consumers.

Date: Friday 29 January 2010
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Venue: Health Consumers’ Council, Room 18, Wellington Fair, 40 Lord Street, EAST PERTH

Contact Health Consumers’ Council on 9221 3422 or email info@hconc.org.au to accept this invitation by Monday 18 January 2010!

Click here for the flyer to this event.

Last update: 15/12/09

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Climate Change Readiness for Community Services project

The Western Australian Council of Social Services Inc (WACOSS) is looking for consumers interested in this project. The Climate Change Readiness for Community Services project focuses on the south west region of Perth, where unemployment has increased substantially since the onset of the global financial crisis in 2008.

Click here to read more about the project

For further information, contact Luke van Zeller on 9420 7222 or luke@wacoss.org.au

Last update: 15/12/09

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Patients demand immediate end to cataract saga

The Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF) and National Seniors have joined together for the first time to condemn the ongoing cataract saga which is putting the wellbeing of thousands of cataract patients at risk.

Click here to read the joint media release

Last update: 15/12/09

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St John Ambulance Inquiry Report

On 6 July 2009, the ABC Four Corners television program revealed four patients had died after inadequate responses by ambulance services. The Minister for Health announced that the State Government would conduct an independent inquiry into the safety and quality of clinical practices at St John Ambulance Australia – WA Ambulance Service Inc. (SJA). The Inquiry was to make recommendations to enhance and improve emergency ambulance services in Western Australia (WA). This provided a unique opportunity to address emergency ambulance service issues and position the service in line with the most up to date practices.

Click here to read the report to the Minister of Health (October 2009)

Last update: 15/12/09

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HCC Speakers' Bureau 2010

Interested in promoting health rights to groups?

The Health Consumers’ Council is forming a Speakers’ Bureau in 2010 to equip interested individuals with skills to promote health rights to consumers in Western Australia. Register your interest with HCC on 9221 3422 or email: info@hconc.org.au

Click here to find out more!

Last update: 1/11/09

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Your voice can make a difference

Watch video via youtube link CLICK HERE

Last update: 19/10/09

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Consumer Representative List

This list is compiled using information provided through HCC Consumer Participation Programme. The purpose of providing this list is for consumers to identify committees/boards and consumer representatives who sit on them. Consumer Representatives are advised to communicate with their constituencies and feedback relevant information to the committee in the efforts of providing a broad consumer perspective and advocating for a patient-orientated health system in Western Australia.

Please advise if there is information in this list that is to be included or amended by contacting the Consumer Participation Project Coordinator on 9221 3422 or email info@hconc.org.au

Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Click here to access this document: Consumer Representative List 2009

Last update: 29/09/09

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Consumer Peak Bodies Position Paper on National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission Final Report - A Healthier Future for All Australians

This position paper is a joint response to the NHHRC report, and is based around five key areas of particular relevance to consumer peak bodies, their members and stakeholders:
• Access and equity;
• Consumer engagement and involvement;
• Consumer experience of the health system;
• E-health; and
• Prevention and early intervention.

Click here to access this document: Position Paper

Last update: 25/09/09

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Health Consumers' Council Strategic Directions 2009 - 2012

Health Consumers' Council has produced this document outlining HCC Vision, Purpose and Values, as well as Strategic Objectives that will be focused on for 2009 to 2012.

Click here to access this document: HCC Strategic Directions 2009 - 2012

Last update: 25/09/09

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Consumer Representatives - Changes to the HCC Risk Management Policy

Consumer Representatives are advised to take note of the following information for consideration with regards to being a consumer representative on various committees/boards/advisory groups:

The Health Consumers' Council is currently reviewing its Risk Management Policy and as part of this review, the Board has identified that Consumer Representatives need to be made aware that although they have been nominated or endorsed by HCC, no Consumer Representative may represent or act on behalf of the Health Consumers' Council or its members.

The HCC is always happy to provide support, advice and information as well as mentoring to Consumer Representatives but the HCC cannot be and is not responsible for the words or behaviour of Consumer Representatives.

Last update: 19/06/09

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"Chronic Conditions Self Management 2008-2010 Project"

This is the final report from the sessions held with consumers and health providers during March this year for the national Consumer Health Forum Chronic Disease Self Management Project which Rockingham Kwinana Division of General Practice is involved in.

2 consumer sessions were held in both Kwinana and Rockingham and a session with the local Rockingham Kwinana Healthy Lifestyle Reference Group.

The next workshops are currently been scheduled for middle July 23009 and will consist of 2  combined sessions with consumers and health providers to further progress the project and review a possible draft resource.

For the full report click on the link below:

Consumer Health Forum Chronic Disease Self Management Project Report

Last update: 17/06/09

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Nurse Practitioners' Public Forum: Wednesday 27 May 2009

The Health Consumers’ Council would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Public Forum on Nurse Practitioners’. We would also like to thank the following people.

• Tim Benson, for facilitating the Forum
• Bronwyn Nicholson for her topic of “On my role, what does the future look like”
• Hope Alexander for her topic of “Nurse Practitioners in the Future: A consumer perspective”
• Dr Scott Blackwell for his topic of “General Practice and Nurse Practitioners: The way forward”
• Professor Phillip Della for his topic of “Nurse Practitioners: Vision to reality the jigsaw”

Our four speakers have kindly provided us permission for making available their presentations on our website (as below).

Please click on the topic below to access the presentation slides by each speaker.

To view the topic: "On my role, what does the future look like", click here.

To view the topic: "Nurse Practitioners in the Future: A consumer perspective", click here.

To view the topic: "General Practice and Nurse Practitioners: The way forward", click here.

To view the topic: "Nurse Practitioners: Vision to reality the jigsaw", click here.

[Note: You will need the software: Adobe Reader 7.0 to view these documents.]

Last update: 28/05/09

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"Tell Your Patient What's Happening"

The health system has changed over the past years from a system that allowed for time for longer stays for recovery and more time for nurses to spend with patients, to a system of shorter stays, higher levels of technology and documentation and less time for staff to spend with patients. 

Pressures on nurses have an impact on patients.  In the short term these pressures can contribute to a poor patient experience of care.  In the longer term, workload pressures for nurses can seriously undermine job satisfaction and lead to nurses fleeing the profession and the loss of their expertise to the health system. 

This program suggests a way to improve both the patient experience of health care and levels of work satisfaction for nurses.

For the full document click on the link below:

"Tell The Patient What's Happening"

Last update: 11/03/09

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2009 National Consumer Congress, Adelaide

The 2009 National Consumer Congress is to be held in Adelaide from 11- 13 March 2009. The theme for this years Congress is "A fair marketplace" and will examine issues such as sustainability, credit reform and behavioural economics.

For the full document click on the link below

Consumer Congress

Last update: 05/02/09

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Patients Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS)

The Government has announced changes to provide more support to WA country residents needing to travel away from their homes to access specialist medical services.

For more information click on the link below

PATS flyer

Last update: 29/01/09

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Community Advisory Council (CAC) Conference Report 2008

Click on the link below for the full report

Community Advisory Council Conference Report

Last update: 29/01/09

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