Health Consumers Council (Wa) Inc

The Health Consumers Council (WA) Inc is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to placing the consumer at the centre of Western Australia’s health care system. Established in 1994 with support from the Department of Health, it serves as a vital voice for health consumers and the community, ensuring their perspectives influence health policy, planning, and service delivery across the state. The organisation operates as a registered charity and is governed by a committee of community members committed to advocating for fair and equitable healthcare.

Mission and Vision

The Health Consumers Council’s vision is to achieve equitable, person-centred, quality healthcare that improves health outcomes and experiences for all Western Australians. Its mission is to amplify and champion the voices of health consumers to drive positive changes in health and healthcare services throughout the state.

Main Objectives

• Provide individual advocacy to assist consumers in navigating the health system and resolving issues with health services.
• Engage in systemic advocacy by participating in committees and working groups to influence health policy and decision-making at senior levels.
• Deliver training and support programs to empower consumers and community members to actively participate in health service planning and review.
• Ensure cultural diversity and Aboriginal engagement are integral to health service reform and planning.
• Support rural and regional communities through dedicated services such as a toll-free number for country callers.

Benefiting Groups

• Health consumers across Western Australia, including those from metropolitan, rural, and remote areas.
• People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• Aboriginal communities seeking to have their voices heard in health service development.
• Individuals requiring assistance with health system navigation and advocacy.

Services and Activities

• Individual Advocacy Service: Helping consumers resolve health service issues and understand their rights.
• Systemic Advocacy: Representing consumer interests on health committees and influencing policy.
• Engagement Program: Providing training and resources to support consumer participation in health planning.
• Cultural and Aboriginal Engagement: Dedicated roles to ensure inclusive health service planning and reform.
• Consulting Services: Assisting health providers to improve consumer engagement and partnership in healthcare delivery.