Join us to improve healthcare for our community

Health services work best when they  listen  to and work together with the people who use them.   

Eastern Health is looking for people who would like to join our Consumer Representative Program.   

The Consumer Representative Program is a group of people who draw on their knowledge and experience to support Eastern Health in understanding  what matters to patients, families, carers  and communities.   

We welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences as long as you are over 16 years of age.  

 You do not need to be an expert in health care. You are an expert in your own experience and current or past health journey.    

What are the ways to get involved? 

 

Sign up to our emailing list for occasional participation.  

 

Become a Consumer Representative for an existing opportunity.  

How much of my time might it take? 

 

Signing up to the emailing list means you can participate occassionally and choose which opportunities you want to contribute to.  

 

 As a consumer representative you will be required to complete orientation and training as needed. 

 

Is this a formal role? 

 

No.  

The emailing list is an informal way for you to stay connected and hear about different ways to share your experience, ideas and feedback.  

 

Yes. Recruitment to the Consumer Representative role is done based on the organisation’s needs and is a formal process. 

 

What types of things can I contribute to? 

The different things you can contribute to may include:  

  • committees or advisory groups  
  • projects or quality improvement activities 
  • reviewing patient-facing information  
  • interviews, focus groups and surveys  
  • research and grant application projects   
  • community site visits and events   

 

What time commitment is required if I want to join a project or group? 

When you join a group or a project, you will get to know the level of commitment required. This may vary depending on the project or group.  

 

For example, some groups are ongoing and meet every month, and document reading before meetings is required. Some projects may only run for 3 months or up to a year.  

 

How do I join? 

 

If you are interested, please complete our online expressions of interest form.   

 

What happens after I fill out the registration form? 

 

You will be added to the emailing list and will start to receive information via email or text message.  

 

We generally send out information once a month, and sometimes more often.  

 

You can ask to be removed from the list anytime by contacting consumers@easternhealth.org.au  

You will be contacted by the Consumer & Community Engagement Manager via email or phone to talk about what happens next. 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Joining the Consumer Representative Program will give you access to a range of opportunities to:   

  • help others by making the health system better   
  • learn more about how health services work  
  • build confidence in meetings and group discussions  
  • meet other consumers, community members and staff  
  • develop new skills through support and training  

Where appropriate, Eastern Health has a policy to ensure consumers and community members who contribute their time are financially recognised.  

If you would like to speak to a member of the Consumer Partnerships & Experience department 

Please contact Rachel, the Consumer and Community Engagement Manager at  consumers@easternhealth.org.au or 0482110569 between Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm.