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Women’s and Children’s Health Network
Ngangkitya ngartu itya kangkawardli
Acknowledgement
The Women’s and Children’s Health Network acknowledges Aboriginal people as the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of Country throughout South Australia. We acknowledge and respect their ongoing and deep spiritual connection and relationship to land, air, sea, waters, community and country. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of people who have passed away.

Consumer Involvement Opportunities

At WCHN, consumer advocates sit on a wide range of committees and working groups, assist with staff recruitment and participate in quality improvement activities. There are also opportunities to provide feedback via online forums and surveys.

Get involved

The role of a consumer advocate can be challenging but it can also be a really rewarding experience. It feels good to know that you are helping to affect positive change and improve the healthcare experience of other consumers.

It is important to understand that there are limits to what you can influence, and that change takes time. Be clear on what you want to get out of your experience as a consumer advocate and ensure that you are there for the right reasons.

If you want us to let you know about consumer feedback and participation opportunities at WCHN, please sign up to our Consumer Register. You will receive emails about upcoming opportunities.

We will also promote new committee and working group opportunities here.

The role of a consumer advocate is to provide a consumer perspective. This can differ from staff and clinician perspectives. It involves speaking up for the interest of consumers. It involves ensuring that we are achieving person and family-centred care, and improving the care experience.

When there is a new opportunity, we call for Expressions of Interest. We provide two weeks for people to respond. We assess all Expressions of Interest to work out who has the skills and experiences best suited to the committee.

This process may include a 20-30 minute meeting with the Director of Consumer and Community Engagement and/or the Chair of the committee. Sometimes, we will request references. We will acknowledge receipt of your application and let you know whether you were successful.

Contact

If you have a specific question or would like further information about our consumer engagement approach, please email Health.WCHNConsumerEngagement@sa.gov.au.