Consumer health forum Aotearoa | Latest update
Tēnā koutou katoa,
Welcome to this consumer health forum Aotearoa update, the first of many. It's a great time to be engaged with the new forum, with plenty of opportunities to shape it to reflect the realities and needs of consumers and whānau.
As part of the health system reforms, the Health Quality & Safety Commission (the Commission), through the Partners in Care programme, has been directed by Government to deliver on the first three components of the consumer voice framework. These are: creating a centre of excellence; developing a code of expectations; and establishing a national consumer health forum.
This forum is a chance to have your voice heard and have a real impact on the future of the health system. This is especially important as we find ourselves in the middle of the health reforms. We need consumer and whānau voices to be front and centre of these. The health system must reflect everyone in Aotearoa – every person and every whānau counts.
It has been heartening to see so many people sign up for the forum. Your willingness to share your experiences and make things better gives me renewed hope for a truly consumer and whānau-focused health system.
For those who couldn’t make the first forum, we have produced a report collating the key themes. You can view this on our website. There will be more opportunities for you to participate too as we will continue to hold online forums around Aotearoa. Each will focus on a different health-related topic. Our next forum will be held online on 7 April 2022 (more details to come shortly).
I also want to take this opportunity to remind you we are still welcoming feedback on the draft code of expectations until 31 March 2022. You can find more information and the feedback form here.
These regular updates will be your main source of forum information. We will also include updates on the health reforms, upcoming hui and opportunities, and any news or work from the Partners in Care team here at the Commission.
Thank you to every one of you putting yourselves forward to get involved and influence every level of the health system for the better. We are excited to see where this new consumer and whānau initiative takes us.
Noho ora mai,
Dr Chris Walsh
Director, Partners in Care