Willingness to share and learn from one another a highlight of recent Our voices event

Te Tāhū Hauora Health Quality & Safety Commission recently ran a 1-day consumer health forum Aotearoa event, Our voices: Shaping health care together | Ō mātou reo: He tārai tahi i te tauwhiro hauora.

Around 170 attendees, including health consumers, whānau and community organisations, health care professionals and policy makers, came together with a collective interest in helping the health system design services for the communities they serve.

The morning began with a warm welcome from Ngāti Paoa and an inspiring performance by Pasifika youth, showcasing pride for Pacific cultures and what inclusion and acceptance looks like through this group’s eyes.

The consumer and whānau voice panel discussion set the scene for the day, facilitated by Pacific Media Network’s Brian Sagala. This was followed by an overview of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights with Health and Disability Commissioner Morag McDowell and a panel discussion with senior leaders of the health entities responsible for implementing the code of expectations for health entities’ engagement with consumers and whānau.

The second half of the day focused on practical workshops for participants, including understanding how organisations are implementing accessible and inclusive environments for disabled people, tips for constructively sharing patient stories, an introduction of the Health New Zealand ‒ Te Whatu Ora consumer and whānau voice team, and progressing digital health equity. Some of these workshops will result in ongoing projects beyond the forum.

Despite the challenges our health sector faces, there was a clear buzz in the room, and a willingness to share, listen to and learn from one another. An evaluation of the day is being prepared and regional workshops are planned for 2024/25.

Thank you to everyone who made this event a success.