A strong community voice in health service planning and delivery is what the new Consumer Council will offer Hauora Tairāwhiti decision-makers.
Individuals with proven leadership skills and a passion for the health of our communities are encouraged to apply for a position on the Council. Successful applicants will use their skills, knowledge and experience to ensure Tairāwhiti people needing health care have access to the best possible services.
Most DHBs in New Zealand have Consumer Councils. Their members have varied backgrounds and areas of interest including women’s health, child health, older persons health, chronic conditions, mental health, alcohol and other drugs, disabilities, rural health, Māori health and pacific peoples’ health.
The Council will be chaired by Georgina Johnson, who has an extensive background in community development and in governance roles. Ms Johnson said the council was looking to recruit members with an interest in health who could best represent the communities in the Tairāwhiti rohe.
“While applications are open to all, we are particularly keen to have strong representation from Māori, Pasifika, youth, LGBTQ, people living in rural areas, disabled people, and older communities. We want to appoint people who are passionate about consumer involvement in health and have the ability to provide advice and guidance in support of the DHB's strategic direction. People will need to be confident with good communication skills."
“This could be you if you have strong connections to communities in Tairāwhiti, and belong to community networks."
“The new Consumer Council will offer invaluable advice and consumer perspectives to the Board of Hauora Tairāwhiti and the Clinical Governance Committee as they work to better meet the needs of our community.
Given that all members are appointed for a fixed term (normally three years with the potential for reappointment up to a maximum of three terms) the opportunity exists in June of each year to appoint new members to vacancies that have arisen due to retiring members who have served three consecutive terms.
Meeting mid-monthly, Council members participate in and comment on, many initiatives to enhance the patient experience. They work together on ways to improve system processes and integration across the health sector. They promote equity and ensure services are organised around the needs of people using health services.
A copy of the Terms of Reference (PDF 770KB), description of the role (PDF 940KB) and nomination forms (PDF 810KB) are available here.
Applications close Monday 14 June 2021. Shortlisting and interviews of successful candidates will follow.