The function of the Consumer Representatives Program is to nominate, support, train and coordinate consumer representatives for national committees to ensure that the views and interests of health consumers are represented at the national level. CHF supports consumer representatives by providing resources in a number of ways.

Website

The CHF website provides opportunities for CHF to share information with its members and consumer representatives and to engage in dialogue with them about consumer issues. The website contains an area specifically dedicated to the Consumer Representatives Program. Website Resources for Consumer Representatives include the following information: 

Health Update newsletter

The CHF e-newsletter Health Update for members is an important communication and information resource for consumer representatives and member groups. It provides information on key work that CHF is undertaking, updates on current projects, and consumer representative news including committee vacancies, reports from consumer representatives and new appointments. Health Update is published twice a month and back editions are found in the Members' Area of the website.

Members' discussion forum

The Members' discussion forum available on the Members' area of the CHF website allows consumer representatives to network, consult and share their views across the CHF network of health consumers. It also provides important input into CHF policy work from members and consumer representatives. The discussion forum features a section for consumer representatives to share tips and issues related to their role, and an opportunity to view and provide further comment on issues raised in consumer representative reports.

Support and networking

CHF endeavours to link consumer representatives who are working across similar areas or who are on related committees. Information about work in CHF priority areas through CHF projects, including the Consumer Representatives Recruitment, Training and Support Project is available in the CHF Projects section of the website. Information about the project, current activities, key documents and internet links can be found in this area.

Telephone support

The Consumer and Member Relationship Coordinator provides support to consumer representatives as necessary. Support includes:

  • Assisting consumers who wish to nominate for representative positions
  • Responding to requests for information about specific issues in CHF priority areas
  • Advice on the use of the CHF website
  • Liaison with Committee Secretariats

Further information or assistance

The CHF website contains a comprehensive list of links to other websites. These are categorised under the headings of national and state government, e-health, regulatory sites, safety and quality, research and evidence, consumer participation, consumer health information, Australian health professional sites, medicines and pharmaceuticals, other useful sites, CHF voting member websites and CHF organisational associate member websites.

Contact 02 6273 5444 or info@chf.org.au

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