Call for applicants for new
Health Consumer Council
Community-minded people are being asked to help shape healthcare
services as a new Bay of Plenty Health Consumer Council is
established.
The council will look to members of the public to inform
healthcare throughout the district and candidates are now being
sought.
Tauranga resident Florence Trout, who worked in community health
for over 40 years, welcomes the move.
"The BOPDHB is reaching out for more community involvement and
that should be applauded. You need people outside of the system who
have an objective eye. Consumers can fill that role and have a
powerful impact on how health systems operate. Consumers tend to
cut through bureaucracy more and bring a pragmatic view of the
world with them.
"They will be able to say 'yes this works' or 'no it doesn't'
and suggest alternatives," added Florence, who has been a member of
a BOPDHB Patient Advisory Panel for two years.
She said applicants needed to be open-minded and be able to see
the breadth of issues and how they impact across the health
system.
"We need good people who can see things from both sides of the
fence."
BOPDHB Quality & Patient Safety Programme Manager Averil
Boon said the council would ensure patient and community
perspectives are a core ingredient of how services are
developed.
"Members will cover areas including: Maori health, women's
health, child health, long-term conditions, mental health and
disability. Although appointed to a particular area of interest, an
individual member will not be regarded as a representative of any
specific organisation or community, nor as an 'expert'.
"If this sounds like something you would like to be involved
with, we would love to hear from you."
Potential council members need to:
- Be passionate about people accessing the best possible
care
- Consider issues from a 'big picture' perspective
- Have a good understanding of the health system
- Have strong networks and communication skills
Applicants should apply by 5pm Friday 2 March
2018.
Please email averil.boon@bopdhb.govt.nz
for further information and to apply.
Last updated:
January 16, 2018
