Reflecting on 2021
Another eventful year of living through a pandemic is coming to an end, and we’re taking a moment to reflect on how much has been we’ve managed to achieve in the face of continued uncertainty. Our team showed their flexibility in 2020, and we have embraced this in 2021, adapting the way we work and the way we connect with consumers and health services to continue supporting positive change in healthcare.
From the coordination of consumer-led Kitchen Table discussions about digital health in 11 locations across the state and hearing consumer input around the implementation of Aishwarya’s CARE Call, to the launch of the My Baby WA app, the soft launch of The WELL Collaborative website, a pilot run of Aboriginal Patient Advocacy Training, talks about rights and responsibilities with culturally and linguistically diverse communities, cultural awareness training for health services, and consumer representative training – there’s been a lot to celebrate. Not to mention the incredible efforts of the individual advocacy team to support 370 people with complex advocacy needs and 972 people with non-complex advocacy needs during the 2020-2021 financial year!
An easy way to catch up on just some of these achievements is to take a look at our annual report.
We’d like to thank you for your support and involvement with HCC this year – we simply couldn’t do what we do without the undaunted enthusiasm of so many wonderful consumers and community members. We have been so excited throughout the year to see our reach continue to grow to new members of the community, while continuing to appreciate the members of the consumer representative community who participate more regularly.
We’re already busy looking ahead to what 2022 will hold, but in the meantime we’re rounding out the year with one more event – see all the details for our Fireside Chat on Tuesday 14th December below.
Health Consumers’ Council will be closed from Friday 17th December to Tuesday 4th January.
We wish you a very happy holiday season, and look forward to seeing you, virtually and in-person, in the New Year.
Pip Brennan, Executive Director
Clare Mullen, Deputy Director
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Emergency contacts during the holidays
If you experience a medical emergency, please call triple zero (000).
If you have health inquiries and would like to speak to a registered nurse, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
If you need to see a GP after hours, you can find one here: https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/service-search
You can also phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 at any time for crisis support.
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Want to get involved?
Your voice and your experiences are important and can help shape what health service in WA looks like. Want to get involved?
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Covid-19
The Australian Government is rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine free for everyone in Australia, including all Australian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary visa holders.
The latest news and information on COVID-19 vaccines in Australia is available here.
The latest updates on WA’s vaccine policy is available here.
Vaccine information in multiple languages is available here.
Learn how to find your vaccination record here.
Your Covid-19 information in one place
If you have a My Health Record, it’s now even easier to find your Covid-19 vaccination information.
A new upgrade now includes a COVID-19 vaccination dashboard. This brings together, in one place, information from the Australian Immunisation Register and My Health Record related to a consumer’s COVID-19 vaccination journey.
The dashboard includes vaccination details, COVID-19 test results, relevant medicines and allergy information from My Health Record and links to the COVID-19 vaccine clinic finder and side effect checker.
The dashboard is easily available from a new COVID-19 Dashboard tab and can be used as a quick reference when answering questions before a vaccination or booster dose or to get proof of vaccination.
You can find out more about the dashboard at https://www.digitalhealth.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/my-health-record/covid-19-dashboard
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Management committee update and annual report
We held our AGM online on 23 November, and it was a great chance to connect with our members and highlight some of what has been achieved this year.
We launched our Annual Report, which is available online at https://www.hconc.org.au/about-us/who-we-are/annual-reports/
We also shared some updates on our management committee. We welcomed new Management Committee members Gloria Jacob, Meredith Waters and Nadia Shaw, and farewelled Steve Walker, Sam Bradder and Danae Watkins.
Our Executive Membership remains the same for 2022 - Mallika Macleod as our Chair, Richard Brightwell is our Deputy Chair, Ian Ludlow is our Treasurer and Rebecca Carbone is our Secretary. Other members are Rebecca Smith, Tina Tuira-Waldon and Michael Crowley. Christine Sindely is a Subsidiary Management Committee member supporting us to develop our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.
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Fireside chat with Dr Tudor Codreanu – hear about WA’s COVID incident response from the top
To wrap up the end of the year, we’re holding our ninth Fireside Chat, giving you the chance to hear from those at the top of our state’s response to the pandemic and have your questions about COVID-19 answered. This event is open to consumers as well as those working in health and social services. You can submit your questions when registering.
The safest place in the world is opening up – are we ready?
We will be joined by Dr Tudor Codreanu, Incident Commander at the State Health Incident Coordination Centre at Department of Health, to discuss WA’s readiness for the next stage of living with COVID-19. Dr Codreanu works alongside the Chief Health Officer and public health team in the State Health Incident Control Centre, providing advice and support around WA’s response to COVID-19.
Join us for an update on vaccines, the latest COVID-19 variant, Omicron, and how WA is preparing for opening up in early 2022.
When: Tuesday 14 December, 2:30pm-3:30pm
Where: Online, via Zoom
To register and submit questions, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/fireside-chat-with-dr-tudor-codreanu-department-of-health-tickets-220525366307
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A sneak peek at The WELL Collaborative
After several years of working with consumers, the Department of Health and WA Primary Health Alliance, we’re excited to be able to share a sneak peek of The WELL Collaborative with you!
The Weight Education and Lifestyle Leadership Collaborative (aka The WELL Collaborative) came about through a key action point under the Healthy Weight Action Plan. It provides a platform for people with lived experience, health professionals, and policy makers to work together to take positive action.
The WELL Collaborative is a space for people in Western Australia to come together to learn more about overweight and obesity, and collaborate on collective solutions to the complex issues our State and community face. It supports practitioners and people living in larger bodies to access the resources, education and training, and programs and services that will help them on their journey.
Ahead of the formal launch of the website early next year, we are seeking feedback from consumers on the website and its resources. We invite you to take a look at http://www.thewellcollaborative.org.au/ and share your feedback with us by emailing info@thewellcollaborative.org.au
We look forward to sharing more updates about The WELL Collaborative in the new year.
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Aboriginal Patient Advocacy Training
Health Consumers’ Council has partnered with the National Justice Project and The Aboriginal Health Council of WA to develop some training for organisations and workers who work with Aboriginal people, and Aboriginal community, to help support their clients and family, friends and community who are dealing with the health system.
The inequity and injustice that can confront Aboriginal people in our health system can lead to poorer health outcomes and health advocacy plays a big part in addressing these issues.
This training will help people gain a better understanding of the barriers and enablers for Aboriginal people in our health services and systems, a deeper understanding of health rights and the important role of health advocacy.
The training that we have developed focuses on:
- Increase your understanding the barriers that can prevent Aboriginal people accessing equitable care
- Developing a better understanding of the health system
- Gaining a deeper understanding of health rights
- Developing health advocacy skills so that you can better support Aboriginal clients
- Learning about various complaints mechanisms and avenues for people
- Self-care and vicarious Trauma
A pilot training session was held on 7 December 2021; and we plan to hold further sessions next year. If you would like to register your interest for future sessions, please contact Tania Harris, Aboriginal Engagement Coordinator, on tania.harris@hconc.org.au or 9221 3422.
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My Health in My Hands
The Child and Youth Health Network, in partnership with the My Health in My Hands youth advisory team, have created posters with a QR code leading directly to the animated video launched during Youth Week 2021.
These were developed with the intent that young people and their carers could watch the animation via a smart device while waiting for their appointment, attending a local youth group or visiting a relevant service provider.
My Health in My Hands is aimed at young people residing in Western Australia aged 12 to 18 and summarises:
• how young people can expect to be treated by health professionals
• information on their health privacy and confidentiality
• how to access Medicare
• tips on choosing a GP
• how to give feedback in relation to the health service received.
Keep an eye out for the posters, or check out the video at https://youtu.be/X1RxihUR0X4
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Launch of the National Preventative Health Strategy
Some of you might remember we hosted a couple of discussions about the draft National Preventive Health Strategy - well, drumroll...
It's being launched by the national Department of Health on Monday 13 December at 8.30am WA time.
The launch will take place at an online open webinar hosted by the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) and the Minister for Health, the Hon Greg Hunt MP will attend to officially launch the Strategy. The webinar will also include two guest speakers from the Strategy’s Expert Steering Committee, Prof Andrew Wilson and Prof Emily Banks.
It will be interesting to see what has made it through the consultation process - we're hoping to see the declaration that it's time to be bold to be realised!
You can register to attend at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wvYjRW-mS9mLmKBtGJPdTg
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Consumer participation opportunities
- Every week we send out an email with information about consumer consultations, representative opportunities and relevant workshops - if you'd like to sign up for this you can do so at http://eepurl.com/cREYkn
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Advance Health Directive Guide Community Consultation
The End-of-Life Care Program team at the WA Department of Health is seeking input into the development of a guide which will assist people to complete the revised WA Advance Health Directive.
The consultation process will run from 31 January 2022 to 18 February 2022.
If you have an interest or involvement in advance care planning we encourage you to help shape the guide via the online survey (open on 31 January) or by participating in one of the community consultation workshops. In addition to the following, some targeted consultations will be held for people from Aboriginal communities.
People with disabilities (online)
- Wednesday 2 February 2022
- 9.30am – 11.30am
- Online meeting via Microsoft Teams
- Register by 28 January
Health professionals (including GPs and clinical staff)
- Friday 4 February 2022
- 7.30am – 9.30am, registration and breakfast from 7.00am
- Tomasi Room, Telethon Speech and Hearing Centre at 36 Dodd Street, Wembley
- Register by 31 January
People from culturally and linguistically diverse background
- Monday 7 February 2022
- 10.00am – 12.00pm
- Herb Graham Recreation Centre at 38 Ashbury Crescent, Mirrabooka or online
- Register by 3 February
Open workshop including consumers and carers, individuals and peak bodies (all welcome)
- Wednesday 9 February 2022
- 9.30am – 11.30am, registration from 9.00am
- Tomasi Room, Telethon Speech and Hearing Centre at 36 Dodd Street, Wembley
- Register by 4 February
Regional, rural and remote health professionals (online)
- Thursday 10 February 2022
- 12.30pm – 2.30pm
- Online meeting via Microsoft Teams
- Register by 7 February
Regional, rural and remote health consumers (online)
- Tuesday 15 February 2022
- 9.30am – 11.30am
- Online meeting via Microsoft Teams
- Register by 4 February
Click here to go to the WA Health website for more information and to access all registration links
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Survey for young people living with a chronic physical illness
The Telethon Kids Institute have initiated the 'Uplift Project' which aims to research and promote wellbeing for young people living with chronic conditions. The team are asking individuals between 16-25yrs old living with a chronic health condition to please participate in their wellbeing survey to guide their important research. This will be the first of several studies that will ultimately guide the development of an online wellbeing program for youth living with chronic conditions.
To qualify, participants should;
1. Be aged 16-25
2. Live in Australia
3. Be diagnosed with a chronic condition
Visit https://curtin.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bltm1gXPKEF3qOq to participate.
Click here to see the flyer for more information.
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Survey for people with a heart condition
The University of Sydney is conducting an online survey to examine current and possible longer-term impacts of the pandemic and social restriction policies from the perspectives of people who live with heart conditions. The information will help the team better understand the impact of COVID-19, policies and social restrictions, which will enable the team to better reshape the way we care for people with cardiovascular disease. The team have obtained ethics approval from the University of Sydney (project number 2021.031).
As a token of appreciation, three participants who complete this survey will each receive a $50 gift card via a lucky draw.
Find out more and complete the survey online at https://redcap.sydney.edu.au/surveys/?s=LD9XWTYR7MCK8XK8
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Thinking Big - Your priorities for research
Telethon Kids Institute want to hear from you - the WA community - about the big picture challenges facing kids and young people, and how we might tackle them to make a real difference.
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Be part of the conversation - Think Big - so your ideas can help TKI make decisions about future research. To get involved, simply take the short 10-15 minute survey:
https://www.telethonkids.org.au/thinking-big/
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Draft mental health standards for Community Managed Organisations now available for input
The draft National Safety and Quality Mental Health (NSQMH) Standards for Community Managed Organisations (CMOs) is now available for public consultation.
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care is developing the NSQMH Standards for CMOs to continuously improve the quality of mental health services and protect people from harm. They will also provide best practice guidance for service providers.
Mental health CMOs are generally not-for-profit, non-government organisations providing services to improve the mental health and wellbeing of people affected by mental ill health, or at risk of mental ill health, their families and carers or the broader community.
You can review the draft standards and find details on making a written submission on the Commission’s website.
The consultation is open until midnight (AEDT) on Friday 21 January 2022.
We are requesting input from CMOs, consumers, carers, members of the CMO workforce and other stakeholders to help shape the development of the standards before they are finalised and published in 2022.
If you have any questions, please contact Rebecca Peters on (02) 9126 3524 or mentalhealth@safetyandquality.gov.au
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Forum Invitation: Rapid Antigen Tests, how do they work, how accurate are they, and what are their uses?
Date: Monday 13 December
Time: 4:00-5:00pm WST
Where: Online – link will be provided after registering
Register at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/rapid-antigen-tests-are-they-accurate-how-do-they-work-and-how-to-use-them-tickets-220251226347
Health Issues Centre is convening this forum as a component of the Optimise Study, which is seeking to better understand how the community is managing and responding to COVID-19 and the measures introduced to stop its spread. This is our eighth public forum in our program of Community COVID conversations, where we provide the community with accurate information directly from the experts.
This forum is for anyone seeking to understand their current COVID testing choices and to learn more about Rapid Antigen Testing.
We understand that the changes to health advice and recommendations that have been necessitated by changing conditions can create questions about getting tested. There are now two types of COVID tests available to the public for use at home or in the workplace. This is an excellent opportunity to find out when to use these tests, how they work and ask questions.
This forum will give you the opportunity to:
- Hear from health experts
- Find out information
- Hear other’s concerns
- Have your questions answered
Health Issues Centre invite you to register for this free event and to promote it to your friends, family and wider contacts.
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