Consumer and Clinician Involvement
Introduction
We are committed to providing the best care possible to the community, involving health consumers and clinicians in decisions about the health system. Together we work to improve the health of people in their communities.
Why is health participation important?
- It helps make services better
- Your community knows about local issues and which local solutions may help
- Area Health Services want to know the needs and priorities of local communities
- Communities want more say in how their health services are run
- It provides an avenue for two way communication
- It is an important part of health service planning and evaluation
There are many ways people can participate at a local level. Each health service is different but often includes:
- On-going health service advisory councils
- Seeking community views about specific issues facing the health service
- Working with local groups who have knowledge of particular health problems
- Having consumer and community representatives on health service committees
Area Health Advisory Councils
The Area Health Advisory Councils facilitate the involvement of health service providers, consumers and community members in the development of the Area Health Services' policies, plans and initiatives.
Area Health Advisory Councils have been established in the following Health Services:
- Children's Hospital at Westmead
- Greater Southern
- Greater Western
- Hunter New England
- North Coast
- Northern Sydney Central Coast
- South Eastern Sydney & Illawarra
- Sydney South West
- Sydney West
Contact your local Area Health Service to find out how you can get involved.
| Area Health Service | Contact Number |
| Ambulance Service of NSW | (02) 9320 7777 |
| The Children's Hospital at Westmead | (02) 9845 0000 |
| Greater Southern Area Health Service | (02) 6128 9777 |
| Greater Western Area Health Service | (02) 6841 2222 |
| Hunter and New England Area Health Service | (02) 4921 4960 |
| North Coast Area Health Service | (02) 6620 2100 |
| Northern Sydney and Central Coast Area Health Service | (02) 4230 2111 |
| South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Area Health Service | (02) 4253 4888 |
| Sydney South West Area Health Service | (02) 9515 9600 |
| Sydney West Area Health Service | (02) 9845 7000 |