18 February 2008

Area Health Advisory Council ensures consumer participation in health services

The interests of patients will be high on the agenda when the South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Health (SESIH) Area Health Advisory Council (AHAC) meets for the first time this year tomorrow, Tuesday 19 February at Sutherland Hospital.

The NSW Minister for Health introduced Area Health Advisory Councils in 2005 as part of the reorganisation of the State's health system, to increase clinician and consumer input into the planning and development of health services.

The SESIH AHAC is made up of six non-clinical community representatives and six clinicians from across SESIH.

AHAC Chairman Professor Bob Farnsworth said the primary focus of the Council was to ensure a model for consumer participation - which is suitable to both consumers and carers, and the organisation - is implemented throughout the Area Health Service.

"It is very important for community participation and involvement in local hospitals and associated consumer councils," Prof Farnsworth said.

"The role of AHAC is to facilitate the involvement of providers and consumers of health services, and other members of the local community, in the development of the Area Health Service's policies, plans and initiatives for the provision of health services.

"AHAC provides a governance role, which facilitates a two-way communication process between the SESIH Chief Executive, and the consumers and health providers.

"Views on accessibility, quality and safety of the health services, by those receiving health care, are conveyed to the Area Chief Executive, for consideration in decision making."

The AHAC will meet monthly throughout 2008 at different locations across the Area Health Service.

For more information visit the Area Health Advisory Council pages of the SESIH website http://www.sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au/AHAC/index.asp.

Media Enquiries: Area Media Liaison Officer Maxine Brennan
9113 2601, 0413 028 776