Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF)

CHF, in partnership with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care is recruiting two consumers to join the Clinical Quality Registries Framework Review Advisory Group to provide advice and guidance on three key projects; the development of tools to support the implementation of the Australian Framework for National Clinical Quality Registries; the review and update of the prioritised list of clinical domains; and the review and upgrade of the Australian Register of Clinical Registries IT platform. As an Advisory Group member, the consumer representatives will ensure consumer priorities shape resources, clinical domain updates, IT platform upgrades, and success measures for the Clinical Registries Framework. The closing date for this EOI is Sunday 19 January 2025. https://lnkd.in/gDfTSFjR

CHF wishes our Members, healthcare consumers and stakeholders a Happy New Year! We look forward to working with you in 2025, as we continue our work to advocate for the needs of Australia’s healthcare consumers, particularly in gaining better access and affordability to healthcare.

Consumer Voices is the fortnightly e-newsletter for health consumers, CHF Members and anyone interested in healthcare planning, policy and research in Australia. CHF’s focus is to set the agenda for a consumer centered health system and advocate for the changes needed to realise that future. Consumer Voices promotes engaging webinars, sector events, health and policy sector news and consumer engagement opportunities. Subscribe today to receive updates directly to your inbox. https://lnkd.in/gK_axNhS

UOW College Australia in collaboration with University of Wollongong is seeking two consumer representatives to join the Diploma of Nursing Industry Consultation. This is a unique chance to influence the training of future healthcare professionals, ensuring their education reflects real-world healthcare challenges and expectations. As a representative, your responsibilities will include: - Providing insights and feedback on training materials during annual consultation workshops. - Offering perspectives on patient experiences to guide improvements in communication, empathy, and safety practices. - Collaborating with stakeholders to align the program with emerging healthcare trends. Contact Rachel Bilboe, Diploma of Nursing Program Manager at UOW College Australia for more information. The opportunity closes on 5 January 2025. https://lnkd.in/dUX35ZC3

Have you downloaded my health app? It’s the convenient way to access My Health Record on your mobile. The my health app lets you view key health information that you, your healthcare providers or representatives have uploaded to My Health Record. Through the app you can: • View your medical history • Check pathology results • Manage vaccinations and immunisations • View hospital discharge summaries • Keep track of care planning documents, and more. To learn more, or download today to get started, visit the Australian Digital Health Agency's website: https://lnkd.in/e5FRMs3X

#DidYouKnow that CHF has a YouTube channel? We welcome you to subscribe to our channel to rewatch all our #CHFTalks webinars this year, with engaging topics including: ▶️ #AI in #Healthcare ▶️ Understanding vaping reforms ▶️ Powering through: what to know if you rely on medical equipment during a power outage ▶️Consumers in research: what's our role Subscribe to follow our channel today https://lnkd.in/ga-QmH-x

As you can see from this overview from our CEO we (CHF) made positive and worthwhile contributions to a vast array of important health policies. ‘24 was a huge year and ‘25 is shaping up to be the same. And CHF will strive to add the consumer voice to every major issue and deliberation.

As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on a year of listening, learning, and advocating alongside consumers and stakeholders across the country. This year, we’ve heard from so many of you about the challenges you face, particularly around access and affordability of care, issues that remain at the forefront for Australians navigating a complex healthcare system. Some of the key issues we tackled together included: - Vaping reforms - Health prevention - Women’s health - Healthcare accessibility - Telehealth reform This year also saw significant milestones, including the launch of the Coalition for Preventative Health Funding at Parliament House and a consumer roundtable with Minister Butler, where we amplified your voices and concerns directly to decision-makers. We know how tough it has been for many Australians, especially amidst the rising cost of living and how that puts pressure on people to afford their healthcare. These challenges are real and deeply felt, and we are committed to continuing the fight for a healthcare system that is affordable, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all. As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to continue championing the rights of consumers and working together to create a healthcare system that truly serves everyone. Thank you for being part of this journey!

A major milestone for LGBTIQA+ Health in Australia! #CHFMember LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (LHA) celebrates the launch of Australia’s first 10-Year National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ People, supported by a landmark investment of $15.5 million. This Action Plan lays the groundwork for addressing systemic health inequities and improving outcomes for LGBTIQA+ communities across the nation. This milestone reflects over eight years of relentless advocacy by LHA and its allies, ensuring a healthier, more equitable future for all. Learn more about this transformative initiative and download the full report today: https://lnkd.in/gVNpuPcp

CHF has just had its last Staff Meeting for 2024! We wanted to capture the magic and thank our team for a stellar year, where we all have achieved so much. Not pictured is Anna Burchell, Benjamin Graham and Giacomo Romagnoli who are all on leave; and Jo Root that we couldn’t cram into the teams window!