The ACT Government and the Health Care Consumers' Association (HCCA) are calling for consumer representatives to join the newly formed territory-wide Health Infrastructure Consumer Reference Group (HICRG).
Consumer and family-centred design that promotes accessibility, inclusivity and safety is a priority for the ACT's future public health infrastructure.
The reference group, co-chaired by HCCA, will provide invaluable consumer engagement during the design and construction phases of projects.
Last month the ACT Government released the Health Update to the ACT Government Infrastructure Plan that outlined an extensive health infrastructure program, including the more than $1 billion northside hospital, transformation of the Canberra Hospital campus over the next 20 years, and new health centres in South Tuggeranong, the Inner South, North Gungahlin and West Belconnen.
The reference group will provide essential advice to ensure buildings and services continue to meet the needs of health care consumers and carers.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA said the new reference group will build on the nation-leading work the Canberra Hospital Expansion project team and HCCA did with consumers in finalising the design of the new critical services building opening in 2024.
"The ACT Government is committed to working collaboratively with the community and clinicians, and the new Health Infrastructure Consumer Reference Group will embed those voices in the design and construction of our future health system," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
"New health facilities must meet consumer, carer and family needs, as well as support the delivery of high-quality health care.
"I encourage Canberrans who have an interest in consumer-centred design and infrastructure, as well as representatives of consumer and community organisations, to express their interest."
The following can be attributed to Darlene Cox, HCCA Executive Director:
"Over many years we have provided consumer insights and experiences to shape the design of infrastructure. This includes the community health centres, walk-in centres, Capital Region Cancer Centre, University of Canberra Hospital, and most recently the expansion of Canberra Hospital.
"We look forward to using our extensive experience in providing consumer perspectives on building design to support the health infrastructure program.
"We want the buildings to provide a healing environment and to be culturally appropriate, safe, and welcoming to all people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
"We know that family members and carers play an important role in the care and recovery of patients accessing health care. We want buildings and services to provide the types of spaces and features that family members and carers will require in the new facility to enable them to better support consumers.
"We look forward to working with the reference group to shape health infrastructure for our communities."
Expressions of interest for the reference group will close on 24 September 2023. Members of the reference group will be appointed for two-year terms. It is expected that the reference group will hold its first meeting in November 2023.
The Health Infrastructure Consumer Reference Group will report to the Territory-wide Health Infrastructure Executive Steering Committee co-chaired by the Deputy Director-General Infrastructure and Engagement at ACT Health and the Deputy CEO at Canberra Health Services.
