The NSW Government has launched a new organisation, Health Consumers NSW, which will give patients, carers and all those who access the NSW health system a voice to inform health policy and delivery.

 

The NSW Minister for Health, Jillian Skinner said Health Consumers NSW will be an independent source of information for her and the state’s Local Health Districts to ensure better patient care and an overall better health system for NSW.

 

“Patients and their carers have a unique perspective on medical services and what we want to see is an increase in genuine and constructive feedback and engagement from those accessing the services provided by the NSW health system,” Mrs Skinner said.

 

Members of Health Consumers NSW will work with Local Health Districts, the Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) and organisations across public, private, allied health, non-government and community health services.

 

“The Agency for Clinical Innovation works to improve public health care services in NSW by engaging consumers and community members, along with clinicians to develop and implement patient-centred care and drive clinical innovation.

 

“By linking these organisations and health consumers together to share their experiences, HCNSW will play an important role in advising the NSW Government on patient-centric policies,” Mrs Skinner said.

 

Betty Johnson, Chair of Health Consumers NSW said consumers want to be able to have a say on how the state’s health system operates at all levels - from policy development through to design, delivery and evaluation.

 

“By scoping our members’ issues and views, and inviting their contributions on current health policy, HCNSW will help to make sure that the broad consumer view is heard and taken into account,” Ms Johnson said.

 

“Giving consumers a voice is key to improving equity and access to health services and outcomes for health consumers in NSW.”

 

For more information on Health Consumers NSW visit www.hcnsw.org.au