New health council to link community with health services

 

Communication between Northland DHB and the public is about to run smoother courtesy of the region’s first Northland Health Consumer Council.

The newly-formed council was created as part of the Northland Health Services Plan Patient and Family Centred Care project. It comprises ten voluntary consumer representatives with a range of community and health interests and recently held its first meeting.

Patient and Family Centred Care project clinical leader Dr Alan Davis, who is the interim chair of the consumer council, says the meeting was a resounding success.

“Northland DHB has taken a massive step towards genuine partnership with its consumers. We know that when consumers are fully involved with their own health care, outcomes are better and everyone has a better experience. This council will be pivotal in guiding health services to improve the experience for patients and their families.”

The inaugural Northland Health Consumer Council (NHCC) was established to work collaboratively with the Northland DHB to develop effective partnerships and communication pathways between consumers and the DHB.

Through its partnership, NHCC provides a strong and viable voice for the community and consumers so that they can engage in health service planning and delivery.

The council seeks to enhance consumer experience and service integration across the sector, promote equity and ensure that services are organised around the needs of people.

Council members have diverse backgrounds, contacts, knowledge and skills, and are passionate about consumers being able to access the best possible services and care from the Northland health sector.

In selecting members, a range of health areas were covered, such as Maori health, women’s health, child health, long-term conditions, mental health and disability.

Dr Davis says similar councils in other regions have proved a success. He is hoping NHCC will bring a new way of working for the DHB and a better experience for our consumers.

NEW GROUP: Northland Health Consumer Council members following their recent Powhiri in Whangarei. Front - Hikurangi Cherrington, Aggie Christianson (Northland DHB), Kathryn Sadgrove, Marilyn Edwards, Kathy Diamond; Middle - Frank Herbert (Kaumatua Support for Hiku Cherrington) Liz Cassidy-Nelson, Chelsea Edmonds, Tania Moriarty; Back - Kevin Salmon, Debbie Walker. Absent: Brian Vickers.

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