Health consumers at the centre of local health services
Published Friday, 17 February, 2012 at 05:26 PM
Health
The Honourable Geoff Wilson
Queenslanders will have a greater say in how health services are delivered under the Local Health and Hospital Networks (LHHNs), with a new framework that has been released today.
Health Consumers Queensland (HCQ) has developed the Consumer and Community Engagement Framework to ensure LHHNs engage effectively with health consumers and communities on health service planning and delivery.
Minister for Health Geoff Wilson said the Framework provided guidance for Health Service Districts as they transition to LHHNs, about how to ensure that consumers and communities can have concrete input into decisions about their health care.
“I asked Health Consumers Queensland to develop this important framework so that we ensure patients are at the centre of health service planning and delivery,” Mr Wilson said.
“The Framework means Queenslanders will be able to contribute to planning, designing, delivering and evaluating health services.
“The Queensland Government is embarking on the biggest reform of how health and hospital services are delivered in a generation.
“This gives health consumers and communities the right to become involved and provide innovative ideas to deliver improved health care.
“By engaging directly with consumers and communities, LHHNs will have valuable information and direction to better meet the needs of patients.
“Ultimately this will deliver improved health outcomes for Queenslanders,” he said.
Health Consumers Queensland Chair, Mark Tucker-Evans, said he is confident that the Framework will provide practical assistance to LHHNs.
“Consumer and community engagement is central to the success of a health system that will serve Queenslanders now and into the future.
“This Framework is an invaluable resource for LHHNs to serve their local communities across our state,” Mr Tucker-Evans said.
The Framework was developed by HCQ in consultation with peak consumer and health and community sector organisations and local, state and commonwealth government departments.
It includes practical advice and examples, and will be supported by online resources and a practice guide. Health Consumers Queensland will continue to work with HSDs as they transition to LHHNs to support them in the development of local strategies.
The Consumer and Community Engagement Framework and other resources can be found at www.health.qld.gov.au/hcq
Health Consumers Queensland (HCQ) has developed the Consumer and Community Engagement Framework to ensure LHHNs engage effectively with health consumers and communities on health service planning and delivery.
Minister for Health Geoff Wilson said the Framework provided guidance for Health Service Districts as they transition to LHHNs, about how to ensure that consumers and communities can have concrete input into decisions about their health care.
“I asked Health Consumers Queensland to develop this important framework so that we ensure patients are at the centre of health service planning and delivery,” Mr Wilson said.
“The Framework means Queenslanders will be able to contribute to planning, designing, delivering and evaluating health services.
“The Queensland Government is embarking on the biggest reform of how health and hospital services are delivered in a generation.
“This gives health consumers and communities the right to become involved and provide innovative ideas to deliver improved health care.
“By engaging directly with consumers and communities, LHHNs will have valuable information and direction to better meet the needs of patients.
“Ultimately this will deliver improved health outcomes for Queenslanders,” he said.
Health Consumers Queensland Chair, Mark Tucker-Evans, said he is confident that the Framework will provide practical assistance to LHHNs.
“Consumer and community engagement is central to the success of a health system that will serve Queenslanders now and into the future.
“This Framework is an invaluable resource for LHHNs to serve their local communities across our state,” Mr Tucker-Evans said.
The Framework was developed by HCQ in consultation with peak consumer and health and community sector organisations and local, state and commonwealth government departments.
It includes practical advice and examples, and will be supported by online resources and a practice guide. Health Consumers Queensland will continue to work with HSDs as they transition to LHHNs to support them in the development of local strategies.
The Consumer and Community Engagement Framework and other resources can be found at www.health.qld.gov.au/hcq