Strong new voice for health consumers in Queensland

The Bligh Government has established a new consumer advisory committee to give patients a stronger say in how the public health system is run.

Health Minister Stephen Robertson today announced 13 Queenslanders had been appointed to the Health Consumers Queensland Ministerial Consumer Advisory Committee.

Mr Robertson said the committee members were chosen to advise the State Government on a host of public health issues.

“We promised in the 2006 election to establish a major health consumer body with top-level access to Government to give patients a strong voice in the health system,” he said.

“We’ve delivered on that promised by establishing Health Consumers Queensland, and the 13 dedicated Queenslanders appointed to its advisory committee will play an important role in the future of health care in Queensland.

“The committee comprises people of great talent and initiative who are all committed to ensuring patient safety and quality health care for all Queenslanders.

“Their collective knowledge, skills and experience will ensure Queensland health consumers have a strong voice to represent their needs and interests.”

Executive Director of Council on the Ageing Queensland, Mark Tucker-Evans, will chair the Ministerial Consumer Advisory Committee.

Other committee members are:

. Myra Pincott, Emu Park,

. Jeff Cheverton, Brisbane

. Mary Martin, Brisbane

. Beryl Crosby, Bundaberg

. Janelle Colquhoun, Brisbane

. Brendan Horne, Brisbane

. Alan Neilan, Mt Isa

. Melissa Fox, Brisbane

. Gwen Schreiber, Cairns

. Odette Tewfik, Brisbane

. Agnes Whiten OAM, Brisbane

. Adele Gibson, Gin Gin

Mr Robertson said the 13 committee members were chosen from a total of 91 applicants.

“I look forward to working with Health Consumers Queensland’s Ministerial Consumer Advisory Committee to improve the quality of health services for all Queenslanders,” he said.

“The establishment of Health Consumers Queensland delivers on the Forster Review’s recommendation for a Queensland health consumer body, and our 2006 election commitment.

“Setting up this major health consumer body with top-level access to government brings Queensland in-line with best practice in health planning.

“This body will be a fearless voice for health consumers in Queensland, playing an important role in policy and planning and providing high-level, strategic advice to the Bligh Government from an informed consumer perspective.”

Health Consumers Queensland is made up of a Ministerial Consumer Advisory Committee and secretariat, supported by the Director General of Queensland Health.

It will be reviewed after two years to assess the best model and governance arrangements for the organisation in the future.

Mr Robertson said members of the advisory committee were appointed in their own right and not as representatives of an organisation or service.

“I’m confident that the 13 people selected provide an important mix of perspectives covering urban as well as regional, rural and remote communities,” he said.

Mr Robertson said Health Consumers Queensland would work closely with Health Community Councils and establish formal links with other key health-related bodies, including the Health Quality and Complaints Commission and the Offices of the Public Advocate and Adult Guardian.

For more information on the work of Health Consumers Queensland, please contact the secretariat on 3234 0611 or visit: http://www.health.qld.gov.au/hcq/default.asp

Minister’s Office 3225 2680