1 October 2004
Health consumer group plays valuable role
Hawke’s Bay District Health Board’s consumer group is a forum for discussion and debate on the consumer perspective in
the design and operation of Healthcare Services’ (the provider arm of the DHB) services and facilities.
“The group has achieved a great deal for people who use our services,” says the chief operating officer of Healthcare
Services, Ray Lind.
The consumer group is comprised of twelve members of the community, along with two staff who meet monthly to provide
comment on specific proposals such as new services, restructured services, new or modified facilities. The group is also
asked to review new protocols and guidelines for the management of patients. They also propose possible changes to
services that they believe will improve services to patients and their families.
In its annual report for the 2003/2004 year, the group highlights a number of issues that were discussed by the consumer
group. The group has been active in the review of transport services between Napier Health Centre and Hawke’s Bay
Hospital, particularly in voicing their concerns regarding the needs of a large elderly population in
Greenmeadows/Taradale and of providing adequate shelter and signage for patrons of the service.
Customer services manager, Jacqui Eathorne, said it’s not always easy for those who work in health to see things from a
patient’s perspective, and this is where the opinions and ideas from this diverse group were invaluable. “Over the past
year the consumer group has constantly raised our awareness of issues for those with disabilities, including issues
around accessibility of buildings and facilities.
“We recently held a consumer forum for a range of health interest groups, which was invaluable, as it provided an
opportunity for us to hear from members of various community groups about issues they face when accessing health
services in Hawke’s Bay,” Jacqui Eathorne said.
Members of the group in the 2003/2004 year included: Brenda Fine, Joanne Graham, Kim Halligan, Noeline Hudson, Phyllida
Isles, Ray Metcalfe, Meria Mua, Kerri Nuku, Murray Orr, Maragret Percy, Mathilda Schorer, Deborah Scott, Joan Sye, Diane
Taylor, Peggy van Asch, Ray Lind and Jacqui Eathorne.
Jacqui said the consumer group was looking for new members. “We have a number of members whose three-year term ends this
year, so we’d like to hear from people with an interest in health who can spare a couple of hours a month,” she said.
“We’re particularly keen to hear from those with experience of disability, mental illness, Maori or Pacific people and
younger people.
Anyone interested in applying to become a member can contact Jacqui on (06) 878 1373, or by email to
jacqueline.eathorne@hawkesabaydhb.govt.nz by 15 October 2004.
ENDS