Tuesday, 24 November 2009
 

Community and Consumer Engagement

Community participation is a cornerstone of the area health model and central to the WA Country Health Service (WACHS) agenda. Community members, health service consumers, stakeholders and agency representatives have the opportunity to influence health service policy and development at various levels.

Accessing and hearing the views and solutions proposed by health consumers, community members and stakeholders is an effective way of improving health services, service access and safety. An informed and participating community provides the platform for successful implementation of health service changes associated with reform and service development.

WACHS continues to develop a community and consumer participation strategy that builds on the State Government’s agenda to increase the level of public impact on service delivery across government. WACHS Community and Consumer Engagement approach involves:

  • 24 District Health Advisory Councils (DHACs).
  • A DHAC Chairpersons Network (consisting of Chairperson from each DHAC).
  • Linkages with local consultation approaches, working parties, community, health and hospital advisory and task groups.
  • Linkages with existing regional networks and committees.

These groups should link with DHACs and vice versa forming a network and providing opportunities for discussion and exchanging information.

TABLE:   DHACs WORKING WITH OTHERS

This approach provides the opportunity for the community to be more creatively involved in service planning and development rather than taking on onerous management responsibilities.

Consultation with local stakeholders is a critical element in the planning and delivery of health services. Key WA Country Health Service stakeholders include:

  1. DHACs and community groups.
  2. Health Consumers’ Council (HCC).
  3. Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs).
  4. Local Government Authorities (LGAs).
  5. Private GP practices.
  6. Royal Flying Doctor Services (RFDS).
  7. Silver Chain Nursing Association (SCNA).
  8. Retail Pharmaceutical services.
  9. Non government sector.
  10. Private hospitals.
  11. St John Ambulance Association.
  12. Division of General Practice.
  13. UWA Rural Clinical School campuses.
  14. Combined Universities Centre for Rural Health (CUCRH).
  15. WA Centre for Rural and Remote Medicine (WACRRM).
  16. Universities.
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