Your voice to change Westmead Hospital

Westmead Hospital invites local residents who are passionate about the future of healthcare to lend their voice for change at the hospital as a consumer representative.

The hospital is seeking people over 18 who live in the Parramatta and Hills districts to attend a morning tea to share their ideas and views with other passionate residents.

Those interested are invited to visit the hospital on Friday March 6 for a tour of the facility and a chance to hear from consumer representatives on how their voice can shape and change the delivery of health services in Western Sydney.

Consumer representatives are volunteers who advocate for patients who speak with them in English or their own language, and ask them how we can improve services and what they would change if they could.

Northmead resident Anne Stanfield has been a Westmead Hospital consumer representative for more than four years and has helped shape and build hospitals of the future simply by sharing her opinion.

“Over the years I visited Westmead Hospital on many occasions attending appointments with a family member,” Anne said.

“During this time I formed opinions and have expressed these opinions on the little things which mattered to me.

“Many successful organisations rely on customer feedback to grow their business. This is the same for NSW public healthcare and it’s important that the hospital hears patients’ and visitors’ feedback on how it operates and functions.

“I feel privileged to support the amazing precinct that’s evolving at Westmead.” 

Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) Community and Consumer Partnership manager Dr Coralie Wales appreciates any amount of time people can give, whether it’s just attending this meeting or volunteering to become a consumer representative.

“We are keen to hear from people from all walks of life who live in our communities,” Coralie said.

“Consumer representatives advise on all kinds of matters, such as what should be included on hospital forms, and demonstrate to patients and friends how to find various departments and services online and within the hospital.

“Free training is provided to new consumer representatives and they are supported by other experienced peers.”

Registrations are essential and for further information , please contact WSLHD Community and Consumer Partnerships officer Tara Lee on 0437 874 244 or tara.lee1@health.nsw.gov.au

For information about the WSLHD Consumer Council, click here.