Consumer Engagement/Register Council Member

Consumer Engagement Council members work with each other and Hospitals South staff in the planning, design, measurement, and evaluation of health care services. They contribute to decision-making processes and policy development for Hospitals South, the Tasmanian Health Service, and the Department of Health to facilitate the delivery of safe, high quality, patient-centred care.

The role Consumer Engagement Council members make a formal commitment for a specified period to supporting the activities of Hospitals South by:

preparing for, and attending, monthly meetings of the Council participating as members of the eight National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards committees contributing to the work of other committees and groups providing feedback on consumer information material reviewing staff policies and other formal documents of relevance to consumers participating in incident review panels and selection panels undertaking mandatory and recommended training programs being available for at least 10 hours per month. Experience, skills and knowledge No specific qualifications are required for the role but desirable attributes include:

an understanding of committee processes and key governance principles and practice an ability to work with others, network and communicate clearly an ability to positively influence others and reach consensus flexibility in the context of a broad and dynamic agenda a willingness to provide constructive feedback and share ideas an appreciation of other points of view experience in presenting logical, evidence-based suggestions. Term of appointment A Council member’s appointment is for a term of three years. On expiry of that term, there is an option for the member to extend the term twice more, with each extension being for a period of two years [allowing for a maximum continuous appointment of seven years]. After this the member must re-apply.

Council support Members of the Consumer Engagement Council are supported by the Chair, other Council members, and the CNC - Consumer Engagement. In undertaking quality improvement activities associated with their role, they are supported by staff in the Quality and Patient Safety Service (QPSS) and staff who chair/organise meetings of various relevant committees and groups.