The challenge for health service providers and decision-makers in a state size of Western Australia is to address the complex and diverse health needs of rural communities .
Community and consumer participation in health provides a way to build effective partnerships that can lead to better health service decisions .
Diverse and fresh ideas, information that reflects the consumer perspective gives service providers and decision makers the best opportunity to combine the experiences and collective ideas of the community with the skill and knowledge of health professionals.
Decisions that are reached through a consultative process have greater credibility with the community and users of health services. The building of trust and mutual respect can assist consumers, the broader community, and health service development.
The WA Country Health Service Review 2003 identified consumer and community participation as a cornerstone of the WA Country Health Service (WACHS). This provides significant scope for the community to influence health policy and service development.
Seventeen (17) District Health Advisory Councils are in operation and DHACs are being developed in the South West. Networking via the DHAC Chairpersons and conferencing on health service developments will support the District based work of the Councils and increase consumer participation at the local, district and State levels.
