Category: Blog

Acknowledging Country: Where Workshop Proceeds Go

Posted on July 4, 2024

 

By Tania Harris, Engagement Manager, Aboriginal and Disability Engagement Lead

A Gesture That Gives Back

When professionals and organisations take part in Health Consumers’ Council’s Acknowledging Country workshops, they’re not just learning to honour the traditional custodians of the land. They’re also contributing to a bigger cause that supports Aboriginal health consumers in Western Australia.

  • Proceeds from these workshops are quarantined and used solely for supporting Aboriginal health consumer initiatives.
  • The funds go towards training scholarships for Aboriginal consumer representatives, covering participation payments, and establishing an Aboriginal Consumer and Community Advisory Committee for Health Consumers’ Council.

Empowering Through Education

The Acknowledging Country workshops are intentionally kept to small numbers to allow for an immersive and personalised experience. This approach ensures that participants can practice delivering an Acknowledgement of Country, receive immediate feedback, and have something meaningful they can use right away.

  • Beyond the workshop, participants are provided with resources for a continuous learning journey.
  • HCC is committed to using the proceeds to further the cause of Aboriginal health consumers, fostering a cycle of empowerment and respect.

An Ongoing Commitment to Aboriginal Health

By attending the workshops, you’re making a tangible contribution to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people and communities.

  • The funds contribute to initiatives where Aboriginal perspectives are needed but may not be otherwise funded.
  • By investing in the continuous learning of Aboriginal consumer representatives, we’re ensuring their crucial voices are heard in healthcare decisions.

A Workshop That Makes a Difference

The Acknowledging Country workshops go beyond cultural training; they’re an investment in the future of Aboriginal health and a step towards closing the gap in health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Make an Impact

Booking an Acknowledging Country workshop is not just a step towards reconciliation, but also a constructive way to give back to the communities we serve.

Book now for one of our available dates, or make an enquiry about a group booking for your organisation, and make a commitment to both your personal growth and the health equity of Aboriginal communities.

Learning from the past, looking to the future – will you join us?

Posted on June 21, 2024

By Clare Mullen, Executive Director

One of the first tasks I was given by our Management Committee when I took on the role of Executive Director just over 12 months ago was to refresh HCC’s strategy. I was also keen to learn from HCC’s proud history as an independent voice for the community since we were established in 1994 as we prepared to mark our anniversary in April 2024.

It was great that these two tasks aligned as I was able to be thinking about our future, while learning about our achievements in the past. We met with and gathered feedback from members, consumer leaders and representatives, health leaders and decision makers across WA health services, fellow advocacy organisations and HCC’s founders and elders.

Some things we heard and learned:

  • Health Consumers’ Council “emerged” from within the WA Department of Health and an earlier iteration – the Health Consumer Network – was chaired by Janet Holmes A Court. Consumer leaders and forward thinking public servants at the time recognised the need for the consumer voice to be independent of government and the public service – and so Health Consumers’ Council was born as an independent not-for-profit organisation
  • Many of the ideas that the team and I kick around today have already been tested in the past
  • WA is a leader both nationally and internationally by having the state peak health consumer body provide individual advocacy service that is free at the point of delivery for the WA community – something that’s not available in any other state or territory and…
    • …there’s much more need for this service that is currently available
  • HCC has a solid reputation with health leaders and decision makers and…
    • …many of our members and people in the health consumer community would like to see us have a more visible presence in the community and be careful to guard our independence
  • There is a pressing need to continue growing the number, capacity and connectedness of WA consumers who are confident, capable and willing to fulfil a range of consumer representative and advocacy roles at a time of significant reforms in health and social care and…
    • …we need to go beyond being a critical friend to being catalysts for change

As we were immersed in all this history and feedback, a couple of us had the opportunity to participate in training for advocates, campaigners, activists and changemakers run by Australian Progress. That too was great timing as we’ve been able to apply some of the ideas and tools we’ve learned as we think about what next.

Health rights are met | People power is rallied | Consumers drive positive change | HCC finances are sustainable | HCC is strong and agile

These are the outcomes we’ll be working towards over the coming months and years. They blend our enduring priorities with an invitation to our members, the health consumer network and people in the community because we are stronger together.

We’ll be sharing our refreshed strategic plan at a briefing and get together for members, health consumers and stakeholders on Wed 26 July at 4pm – 6.30pm. You can register to join in person (Mt Lawley) or online at https://events.humanitix.com/hcc-member-and-stakeholder-briefing

Read about our new strategy here https://www.hconc.org.au/about-us/strategic-direction/

Join our team – Project and Program Support Officer, full-time job, closing date – 8am Monday 8 July 2024

Posted on June 20, 2024

To help us achieve our vision of improved health outcomes and experiences for everyone, driven by strong health consumer voices at every level of decision making in health, we are growing our small but mighty team.

Project and Program Support Officer, full-time, permanent

We are seeking a highly organised Project and Program Support Officer who loves people and being in a fast paced environment with lots of variety. The role plays a valuable part in supporting a range of projects, as well as being the first port of call for people connecting with Health Consumers’ Council. This role will be full-time, although 30 hours/week may be considered if able to work them across five days of the week Monday – Friday.

The role offers:

  • A high degree of variety – working with diverse community members and staff at all levels in the health and social care system
  • The opportunity to be part of a consumer-first organisation with a focus on improving health equity and championing health rights
  • A welcoming and inclusive workplace where everyone is encouraged to bring all of themselves to work
  • The opportunity to be involved in a wide range of projects and to grow your areas of responsibility as your knowledge and skills develop
  • A competitive not-for-profit annual base salary with salary packaging
  • Additional leave entitlements

About you:

  • You’re looking for a role where you can apply your communication and administration skills to do work that you care about
  • You’re interested in the health system and care about people’s experiences of it
  • You’re happy to muck in and enjoy working on a range of different projects and with different teams simultaneously

Position overview

This role provides project, general and executive administration support across all areas of HCC, working under minimal supervision to ensure the effective and smooth running of our small hybrid workplace. A proactive, collaborative and hands-on approach is needed for our agile and adaptable organisation, which has the consumer experience and voice at its heart.

A typical week might see you doing a range of tasks:

  • Assisting with project tracking and coordination using our project management system
  • Assisting with planning and delivering a range of events, workshops and activities by organising attendee lists, logistics and catering and consumer payments and enquiries
  • Creating and sharing posts on social media guided by senior colleagues
  • Stepping in to help with projects and liaise with clients when required
  • Attending workshops and events when required to – this may include occasional after hours working
  • Greeting visitors to our offices, responding to our reception phone calls, and responding to emails through our main inbox
  • Managing the training room and equipment register
  • Scheduling meetings, preparing agendas and recording minutes
  • Managing stakeholder contact details through our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system
  • General office admin including organising travel and accommodation
  • Generating simple reports and analysis from existing systems including data entry
  • Providing executive support to the Executive Director, including managing diary requests

See the job description for a full outline of responsibilities for the role.

Selection criteria

Essential

  1. A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a similar role working across multiple business functions, including project administration
  2. Well-developed interpersonal and verbal skills, with a demonstrated understanding of the sensitivity and empathy needed when communicating with vulnerable community members
  3. Well-developed written communication skills, with the ability to write clearly and concisely for internal and external use
  4. Excellent organisational skills, with high attention to detail and the ability to manage and prioritise deadlines and own workload with limited supervision
  5. Demonstrated ability to use initiative and solve problems within own area of responsibility
  6. Ability to plan and manage large meetings and events eg Annual General Meeting or similar
  7. Be adept, or be able to quickly become adept in, a range of office software programs including Microsoft Office 365 Suite, project management software, and accounting software

 Desirable

  1. A demonstrated interest in the aims and purpose of HCC, for example, experience as a health consumer representative or volunteering in a similar advocacy organisation
  2. Experience creating engaging content for social media and website use, and experience using Mailchimp.
  3. An understanding of the community services and not for profit sector
  4. Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders, and navigate difficult conversations when required

To apply for the position

Send a cover letter of no more than two pages addressing the selection criteria, along with a current resume of no more than two pages outlining your work experience, skills and any relevant education or training to Tara Roopra our recruitment partner at recruitment@talenting.com.au clearly stating which role you’re applying for. Applications that do not address the criteria may not be considered.

  • The closing date for applications has been extended to 8am on Monday 8 July 2024.

If you require any adjustments to submit your application or wish to have a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Aimee Riddell, Corporate Services Lead on (08) 9221 3422 (Ext 2) or email Tara Roopra our recruitment partner at recruitment@talenting.com.au

Click here to download the information on this page as a document

 

Join our team – Office and Executive Support Manager part-time job, closing date – 8am Monday 1 July 2024

Posted on June 20, 2024

To help us achieve our vision of improved health outcomes and experiences for everyone, driven by strong health consumer voices at every level of decision making in health, we are growing our small but mighty team.

Office and Executive Support Manager, part-time (4 days), permanent

We are seeking a highly organised and experienced manager who loves “sorting things out” and thrives on the variety of working across a range of responsibilities and projects.

This role is critical to the smooth functioning of the whole organisation. The Office and Executive Support Manager provides expert level administrative and governance support to the Executive Director, Leadership Team and the Management Committee (Board) and helps us to ensure the best use of the resources entrusted to HCC to deliver the best possible outcomes for the WA community.

The role offers:

  • A high degree of variety – working across all areas of HCC’s work and playing a key role in building our internal capability enabling us to extend our impact
  • The opportunity to be part of a consumer-first organisation with a focus on improving health equity and championing health rights
  • A welcoming and inclusive workplace where everyone is encouraged to bring all of themselves to work
  • A competitive not-for-profit annual base salary with salary packaging
  • Flexible working with the opportunity to work from home one day a week when settled in to the role
  • Additional leave entitlements

About you:

  • You’re looking for a role where you can apply your business, finance and administration management skills to do work that you care about
  • You’re interested in the health system and care about people’s experiences of it
  • You’re comfortable thinking about strategic and operational plans – and just as happy to roll your sleeves up and tidy up after an event along with your colleagues

Position overview

This role manages the business, executive and administration needs to ensure the effective and smooth running of our small hybrid workplace. A proactive, collaborative and hands-on approach is needed for our agile and adaptable organisation, which has the consumer experience and voice at its heart.

A typical week might see you doing a range of activities:

  • Identifying opportunities to improve how we work, scoping projects, and working with colleagues to support the smooth roll out of any changes
  • Liaising with external suppliers to ensure best value for money for HCC contracts
  • Working with other HCC managers to understand the needs of their teams to be able to deliver their work to a high standard
  • Identifying opportunities to generate revenue to enable us to extend our impact
  • Liaising with our external bookkeeper to ensure that payroll information is captured in a timely and accurate way
  • Going through project, budget and financial reports with managers to ensure we’re delivering our activities within agreed parameters
  • Providing line management support to the Project and Program Support Officer
  • Attending meetings and writing minutes for the HCC Management Committee (Board)

See the job description for a full outline of responsibilities for the role.

Selection criteria

Essential

  1. Extensive experience of business, administration, governance and financial management and a demonstrated understanding of the realities of these for an advocacy organisation like HCC within the not-for-profit sector
  2. Strong analytical skills with a keen ability to problem solve and identify opportunities for system and process improvements
  3. Demonstrated experience of managing a workload across a range of projects and work areas
  4. A can-do attitude and flexible approach to work with demonstrated ability to contribute actively to team activities as well as being able to work autonomously
  5. Adept, or able to quickly become adept, at using the Microsoft 365 Suite and Microsoft Teams
  6. Demonstrated experience in working with CRM systems, including the ability to quickly develop a comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics CRM
  7. Experience in developing, implementing, and reviewing internal policies, process documents and user guides with a focus on continual quality improvement

Desirable

  1. An understanding of change management approaches fit for a small – medium organisation with constrained budgets
  2. Experience in growing revenue across a range of sources including fee for service, government and philanthropic grants
  3. Relevant qualification in business management or administration

To apply for the position

Send a cover letter of no more than two pages addressing the selection criteria, along with a current resume outlining your work experience, skills and any relevant education or training to Tara Roopra our recruitment partner at recruitment@talenting.com.au clearly stating which role you’re applying for. Applications that do not address the criteria may not be considered.

  • The closing date for applications is 8am on Monday 1 July 2024.

If you require any adjustments to submit your application or wish to have a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Clare Mullen, Executive Director on (08) 9221 3422 (Ext 2) or email Tara Roopra our recruitment partner at recruitment@talenting.com.au

Click here to download the information on this page as a document.

To see other jobs we’re advertising click here

Join our team – Individual Advocate part-time job, closing date – 8am Monday 1 July 2024

Posted on June 20, 2024

To help us achieve our vision of improved health outcomes and experiences for everyone, driven by strong health consumer voices at every level of decision making in health, we are growing our small but mighty team.

Advocate, part-time, fixed term for 12 months with the possibility of extension

We are seeking a skilled and passionate health advocate to join our individual advocacy team on a part-time (three days a week), fixed-term contract for 12 months. There is a possibility this role could be extended, subject to funding.

It can be difficult for consumers and patients to navigate the Western Australian health system, or to give feedback if they are unhappy with any aspect of their healthcare experience. This role supports health consumers in having their voice heard within the WA health system, while assisting individuals to navigate the health system and assert their rights, and provides assistance through the complaints process when needed.

The role offers:

  • The ability to make an impact in individuals’ health journeys, and their experiences of the WA health system
  • The opportunity to be a part of a workplace that is driven by championing consumer health rights
  • A welcoming, inclusive and supportive workplace, where everyone is encouraged to bring all of themselves
  • Externally facilitated team supervision
  • A competitive not-for-profit annual base salary with salary packaging
  • Flexible working arrangements including the opportunity to work from home sometimes
  • Additional leave entitlements

About you:

  • You’re looking for a role where you can apply your skills in advocacy and health rights to work that you care about
  • You’re interested in the health system and care about people’s experiences of it
  • You’re comfortable responding to people “where they are”, including when people are expressing distress about their experiences.

Position Overview

This role sits within the individual advocacy team, and although the role functions quite independently, it is well supported by the Senior Advocates and the Advocacy Manager, as well as all other team members. In this role, most of the contact with consumers will be either on the telephone or through e-mail, however, attendance at appointments in the community with consumers is another important facet of this role.

A typical week might see you doing a range of tasks including:

  • Contacting consumers from the advocacy waitlist or being the first point of contact with consumers seeking support
  • Building advocacy plans with consumers within HCC’s scope and referring consumers to external agencies for issues that fall outside of HCC’s support
  • Attending consumer appointments in hospitals, GP practices or at community mental health sites
  • Liaising with hospital staff to advocate for consumers in relation to current health needs or retrospective complaints
  • Writing letters of complaints addressed to health service providers, in conjunction with consumers
  • Writing case notes within our Customer Relation Management system
  • Attending team meetings and supervision

See the Advocate job description for a full outline of responsibilities for the role.

HCC strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and LGBTIQ+ people.

Selection criteria

Essential

  1. Previous experiencing providing individual advocacy and an understanding of the value of individual advocacy for consumers experiencing issues within the health system and the levers available to achieve advocacy outcomes
  2. Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills to be able to confidently advocate, negotiate, influence, mediate, de-escalate, and develop effective workplace relationships with consumers and other stakeholders
  3. An understanding of the social determinants of health, systemic barriers and complex trauma when working with people experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage, and the ability to operate with a trauma informed lens
  4. Ability to work autonomously with strong organisational skills to manage competing priorities simultaneously, in order to meet deadlines
  5. Highly developed analysis and report writing and computer skills
  6. Good working knowledge of the WA health system, community service organisations and referral pathways

Desirable

  1. Tertiary qualification in social or behavioural science (e.g., social work, psychology, sociology), or previous advocacy experience or lived experience in navigating the health system
  2. Understanding of the Mental Health Act 2014

To apply for the position

Send a cover letter of no more than two pages addressing the essential selection criteria, along with a current resume outlining your work experience, skills and any relevant education or training to Tara Roopra our recruitment partner at recruitment@talenting.com.au clearly stating which role you’re applying for. Applications that do not address the criteria may not be considered.

  • The closing date for applications is 8am on Monday 1 July 2024.

If you require any adjustments to submit your application or wish to have a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Sam Smith, Advocacy Manager on (08) 9221 3422 (Ext 1) or email Tara Roopra our recruitment partner at recruitment@talenting.com.au

Click here to download the information on this page as a document.

To see other jobs we’re advertising, click here

Digital Health Series – Patient Portals

Posted on June 14, 2024

By Pip Brennan, Electronic Medical Record Consumer Reference Group Convenor

The Health Consumers’ Council was funded by the WA Health Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Program to convene three consumer webinars and four Consumer Reference Group meetings between January and June 2024. The purpose of this work is to build on the EMR Consumer Charter that was co-designed developed in 2021.

In this interim period prior to developing a tender for a statewide EMR, HCC aims to upskill a group of supported, networked consumers and empower us to deliberate on key aspects of the EMR. We have also created several videos on key topics. We are sharing the learnings from this work as widely as we can, as WA continues its progress towards obtaining EMR in around three years’ time.

Patient Portals – what do consumers need to know?

The Patient Portal is the part of an Electronic Medical Record that we can see and interact with.

It was the focus of the EMR Consumer Reference Group meeting in February 2024. Prior to the meeting, a list of patient portal resources were provided for the Group to look at:

At the meeting, we interviewed Liz Cashill and Consumer Representative Mary Oti from Royal Melbourne Hospital. They began implementing their patient portal in their EMR in 2020 and share key insights about what a patient portal is, how it works in practice, and what we need to think about as consumer representatives. You can watch the video replay below or read the transcript here.

WA’s Consumer priorities for a Patient Portal

After the presentation, the EMR Consumer Reference Group discussed our priorities for the future WA Health EMR Patient Portal. This is a summary which was provided to the WA Health EMR Program:

Consumer involvement: Consumers are partners throughout all stages of scoping, procurement, development and rollout of a patient portal.

Consumer centred: Base the design around us as consumers, as we move all across the system and want to be able to use one entry point for all our care. It must integrate and connect with adjunct and related systems; it needs to work in harmony with My Health Record. A priority for consumer centred care includes recording of preferred pronouns, name etc as part of the patient portal.

Consumer empowerment: The portal must support partnering with our health care team to achieve the best possible health outcomes. Specifically this includes two-way communication with an ability to view,  edit, download and print information about us. We need to be linked to knowledge and resources to navigate our care journey, with easy and intuitive navigation features.

Transparency, Choice and Control: this would look like there being controls for sharing of information need to be in place as they are for My Health Record, and understanding

Equity of access: we need to be supported to use the patient portal if we wish, but to receive the same standard of care if we don’t choose to use it. We would also like to see system flags to support equitable care,. e.g. when someone is travelling from the country. Other examples include a flag if there is a Disability Care Plan so staff are supported to provide safe care to someone who for example isn’t verbal. Flags to support trauma informed care are also key. A key consideration too is a patient portal available in languages other than English.

Proxy access is important with protections and permissions. For example, accessing health care for an adult child with a disability in the absence of guardianship –e.g. NDIS offer “common sense” choices – where people don’t need to get Guardianship to access their adult child’s records. We can sometimes have a bias towards the presumption of abuse e.g. in carers for people with disability, people who are frail aged.

Check the Digital Health page for the full series of webinars and information sessions on the WA Electronic Medical Record.

Reflections on the Digital Health Festival 2024

Posted on June 13, 2024

By Pip Brennan, Electronic Medical Record Consumer Reference Group Convenor

I was lucky enough to attend the Digital Health Festival 2024 in Melbourne, with WA consumer and health professional colleagues. The Health Consumers’ Council in WA negotiated to obtain three free consumer passes, and WA Health’s Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Program Team funded travel for myself and HCC Engagement Coordinator Kieran Bindahneem. We met Ricki Spencer in Melbourne, they are a member of the EMR Consumer Reference Group and split their time between WA and Victoria.

With eight concurrent streams and mostly 30-45 minute presentations, the Digital Health Festival was definitely overwhelming. Some of the concurrent presentations offered headphones, and these were by far the easiest presentations to stay focused in.

At the entrance was the stand where I took the opportunity to include a message about the importance of consumer involvement. #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs. It was not a common idea, and presentations mentioning co-design usually meant different health and government professionals collaborating. The wrap up report for the Digital Health Festival doesn’t mention the word “consumer” or “patient” anywhere – we sit somewhere in the “Other” category in the pie charts and tables. I have been approached to speak at the Digital Health Festival in 2025.

What has stayed with me

  • Dr Wonchul Cha’s keynote presentation about the Samsung Medical Centre in Korea, especially how the Patient Reported Outcomes surveys, which are integrated into their electronic medical record, achieve an 80%-90% response rate. They are a seamless part of the clinical appointment, and keep patient wellbeing right on top of the agenda.
  • Meeting up with consumer advocates including Mehmet Kavlakoglou, Harry Iles-Mann, and Ricky Spencer. Some quiet times talking outside the hub-bub of the Festival were restorative and insightful.
  • Talking to Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) staff and filling in a missing piece of the PROMS puzzle in my mind – how they need to be integrated into an EMR and used as part of care to get the return rate that really tracks patient outcomes (see Samsung example above).
  • Listening to a CSIRO presentation on the work they’re doing regarding consent processes and how to have ongoing consent facilitated when our data is used for research – consumers aren’t actively involved yet, but hoping they will be soon.
  • Panel discussion on how AI is supporting clinical decision making where one speaker suggested that over time, clinical trials may not be approved unless they have already gone through AI as this will reduce potential harm to patients.
  • I don’t need to feel total despair that each state and territory is doing its own thing regarding electronic medical records. Interoperability is still going to be technically possible. It is the number one consumer priority! The key challenges we have in relation to digital health are actually cultural – but the interoperability work at the federal level mandating interoperability is helpful.

 

Some reflections

  • What would it be like to have a consumer-co-led digital health festival with a focus on research translation, rather than research commercialisation? Some presentations were very sales-y.
  • Most states and territories have implemented their EMRs without significant or meaningful consultation with consumers, and even in some cases clinicians. Not so in WA! And after the conference the WA Budget announcement confirmed that WA will be funded for the next three years to develop a tender and appoint a supplier for WA’s EMR.
  • We have an EMR Consumer Charter in WA and a Consumer Reference Group working with the WA Health Team. We are upskilling ourselves and reflecting on what are key consumer priorities for an EMR. See our web page for all updates.

Strengthening Reconciliation Post-The Voice Referendum: RAP and Acknowledgment of Country

Posted on May 23, 2024

By Tania Harris, Engagement Manager, Aboriginal and Disability Engagement Lead

Reconciliation in the Wake of The Voice Referendum

In the historical context shaped by The Voice referendum – a pivotal event proposing constitutional recognition and a parliamentary voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – an organisation’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) takes on an even greater significance.

  • The Voice referendum has brought the aspirations and needs of Indigenous Australians to the forefront of the national conversation.
  • As Australia reflects on the outcome of The Voice referendum, there’s an energised call for organisations to embed Indigenous perspectives into their core values.

The Role of a RAP Post-Referendum

Now, more than ever, a RAP must do justice to the momentum created by discussions around The Voice referendum. This involves not just planning but also taking action that symbolises respect, empowerment, and partnership.

  • An organisation’s RAP should go beyond ceremonial acknowledgment to lay down practical pathways for Indigenous inclusion and engagement.
  • Crafting a RAP in this climate should reflect a commitment to listening to Indigenous voices and upholding their rightful place in decision-making processes.

Crafting an Acknowledgment of Country That Resonates

An Acknowledgment of Country becomes particularly resonant in the post-referendum setting, where it’s expected to echo the progress and promises of national reconciliation efforts.

  • It is crucial to not only acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land but to connect this acknowledgment to contemporary initiatives like The Voice referendum.
  • Organisations can demonstrate their support for The Voice by referencing the initiative in their Acknowledgments of Country, reinforcing their commitment to actionable change.

Aligning Your RAP with The Voice Aspirations

Incorporating The Voice aspirations into your RAP not only strengthens your organisation’s dedication to reconciliation but also aligns with the broader objectives of national unity and respect.

  • Ensure that your RAP reflects an understanding of the historical and cultural significance of constitutional recognition and representation.
  • Utilise the RAP as a platform to advocate for and support the ongoing dialogue around Indigenous issues sparked by The Voice referendum.

A New Era of Commitment

The post-referendum era demands a renewed dedication to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights and recognition. This commitment is tangibly expressed through a RAP, Acknowledgment of Country, and the actions that flow from these intentions.

Advance Reconciliation: Acknowledging Country Workshops

In the spirit of The Voice referendum, aspiring to a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are heard and respected, we invite you to attend Health Consumers’ Council’s  Acknowledging Country workshop. Your participation not only deepens your own understanding but also contributes to Indigenous health initiatives.

Join a workshop to ensure your organisation’s practices are attuned to the aspirations of The Voice and contribute to a reconciled, informed, and inclusive Australia.

Navigating the Path Together: Insights from the Cancer Services Plan Consultation Report

Posted on May 17, 2024

Dealing with a cancer diagnosis is more than a medical journey; it can be the start of a challenging path through the complex maze of healthcare systems, at a time of physical and emotional change for both the person diagnosed and those around them. The Department of Health (DoH) recognised the need to understand the experiences of those at the heart of cancer services — patients and their carers. The Department of Health partnered with the Health Consumers’ Council (HCC) to gather insights that will help inform the future of cancer care in WA.

We are pleased to be able to share this report with you. We would like to thank the patients, consumers and carers who chose to share their stories and experiences with us so generously.

We would also like to thank Dr Susannah Morris, who provided our team with expert advice and support, and offered an invaluable consumer focused insight into this and many other cancer projects in WA and Australia. We also recognise and thank Susannah for her considerable input into this report.

The Essence of Consultation

The consultations held in March and April 2024 were vibrant discussions filled with stories, challenges, and aspirations. A diverse group of 32 individuals participated in workshops and interviews to share their experiences with cancer care pathways in WA. The feedback gathered from these sessions was insightful and is hoped to have a significant impact on the enhancement of cancer services.

Themes of Reflections

Participants were open and candid about their interactions with cancer services. They reflected on the parts of their care that were difficult, and the aspects that were handled well. This feedback is crucial in understanding the emotional and practical needs of patients as they navigate cancer treatment.

Location, Location, Location

One of the critical areas of discussion was the configuration and location of care. Though the specifics of possible configurations were not directly presented for feedback, the need for flexibility and accessibility in care locations was a recurring theme. Wherever the location was, care needed to be centred around the person and their needs. This aspect of care is not only about geographical convenience but also about the comfort and peace of mind patients have when they know support is within reach.

The Experiences That Matter

Above and beyond the technicalities of treatment, what stood out in the consultations was the need for better care navigation and a more consistent and early linking of consumers and carers with all pertinent support services, to be treated as whole people not just a disease. Better communication, flexible appointment times, a more seamless and coordinated care experience, care navigators and navigation tools were among the top suggestions from participants.

Aligning with the WA Cancer Plan

As the consultations revealed, there’s an essential need to ensure that cancer services in WA are aligned with the second goal of the WA Cancer Plan 202-2025: to ensure that consumers have the best experience of cancer care. This implies that optimal care should be person-centred, safe, high-quality, multidisciplinary, supportive, and well-coordinated. People were also concerned that they ‘lived well’ with and beyond their diagnos, in keeping with priority three of the plan. The consultations highlighted that while much has been achieved, there are still gaps that need bridging.

 Looking Ahead

The Australian Government’s Australian Cancer Plan (2023-2033) has set a new backdrop for the continuum of cancer service delivery. The findings from the WA consultations will not only contribute to refining the state’s approach but also ensure that the voices of consumers are heard in the broader national context.

The Cancer Services Plan Consultation Report provides a snapshot of current consumer experiences with cancer services in WA. It’s a living document that echoes the voices of those most affected by cancer and offers a roadmap for improvements that could significantly enhance the patient journey.

Remember that as we look toward the future, your voice and your experiences are powerful catalysts for change. If you or a loved one have navigated the cancer care system, consider sharing your story. It’s through these shared experiences that we can work together to shape a cancer service system that not only heals but also supports and empowers every step of the way. You can share your stories and experiences at  Care Opinion, a platform supported by WA Health where you can remain anonymous.

The Importance of Acknowledging Country

Posted on May 13, 2024

By Tania Harris, Engagement Manager, Aboriginal and Disability Engagement Lead

An Acknowledgement of Country is a sign of respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ ongoing connection to their traditional lands. In healthcare settings, this practice becomes profoundly significant. Many organisations, individuals and businesses are increasingly recognising that a genuine Acknowledgement of Country can pave the way for better services and relationships with Indigenous communities.

  • An Acknowledgement of Country is not just a statement; it’s a commitment to listen, learn, and work towards equity and reconciliation.
  • It acknowledges Australia’s history, predating colonisation by tens of thousands of years.

Why Acknowledge Country?

Cultural competence and respect are crucial in providing quality care and services to all. An Acknowledgement of Country is a step towards cultural safety in services, recognising the specific place Indigenous Australians hold in our country and society.

  • It’s a reminder that every day, organisations and businesses operate on land that holds thousands of years of Indigenous history.
  • For staff and clients, the acknowledgment can foster an environment of inclusiveness, respect, and partnership.

The Impact of Acknowledgment on Indigenous Communities

While an Acknowledgement of Country is not a singular solution to inequity and racism, it is an integral part of the journey towards genuine partnership and inclusion.

  • It’s an opportunity to reflect on the impact of colonisation on Aboriginal communities and our commitment to addressing inequities.
  • It can contribute to an environment where Indigenous voices are heard and valued, especially in discussing needs and services.

How Organisations Can Offer a Meaningful Acknowledgement

Health Consumers’ Council acknowledges the need for confidence and personalisation in delivering an Acknowledgement of Country. That’s why we offer specialised training sessions.

  • It’s crucial to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land and pay respect to Elders, past, present, and emerging.
  • Workshops are designed to provide a safe, immersive experience with opportunities for practice and immediate feedback.
  • The training can be delivered online or in person, emphasising meaningful engagement rather than tokenistic gestures.

Offering More Than Words

The practice of giving an Acknowledgement of Country must go beyond being a part of housekeeping; it should reflect ongoing learning and action.

  • Acknowledgments should not be tokenistic but done with thought and consideration for what they represent.
  • They should inspire self-reflection, truth-telling, anti-racism efforts, and genuine partnership.
  • An Acknowledgement of Country reflects the values and commitment of your organisation to our shared history and the present-day situation.

Continuing the Journey

The journey toward true reconciliation and cultural safety is continuous. The Acknowledging Country workshops by Health Consumers’ Council are part of this journey, empowering individuals and organisations to make their Acknowledgments with confidence and sincerity.

Acknowledging Country Workshops

Does your organisation offer an Acknowledgement of Country at meetings and events? Are there ways you can make these acknowledgments more meaningful and reflective of your commitment to reconciliation? Take part in Health Consumers’ Council’s Acknowledging Country workshop to deepen your understanding and practice.

Take the next step in your reconciliation journey by booking an Acknowledging Country workshop and develop a meaningful practice that respects the traditional custodians of the land on which you live and work.