Submissions, Letters and Reports

Submissions

As Queensland’s peak health consumer group, Health Consumers Queensland makes submissions providing health consumer and carer perspectives on key health issues and opportunities.

Health and other Legislation Amendment Bill (2021)
Who was it for: Health and Environment Committee, Queensland Parliament
Date: 8 October 2021

Response to the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021
Who was it for: Health and Environment Committee, Queensland Parliament
Date: 5 July 2021

Health Consumers Queensland, Palliative Care Queensland, Council on The Ageing Queensland and Carers Queensland joint submission for the 2019 Queensland Government Inquiry into aged care, end-of-life, palliative care and voluntary assisted dying
Who was it for Queensland Parliament Health, Communities, Disability Services and Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Committee
Date 15 April 2019

Health and Wellbeing Queensland Bill 2019
Who was it for Queensland Parliament Education, Employment and Small Business Committee
Date 20 March 2019

Inquiry into the Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018
Who was it for Health, Communities, Disability Services and Family Violence Prevention Committee
Date 21 December 2018

Human Rights Bill 2018
Who was it for Legal Affairs and Community Safety Committee
Date 26 November 2018

Termination of Pregnancy Bill 2018
Who was it for Health, Communities, Disability Services and Family Violence Prevention Committee
Date 5 September 2018

Submission for proposed reforms for mandatory reporting by treating doctors
Who was it for COAG Health Council
Date 31 August 2018

Submission to Queensland Health Palliative Care Services Review
Who was it for Queensland Health
Date 24 August 2018

Submission to the Inquiry into the establishment of a pharmacy council and transfer of pharmacy ownership in Queensland
Who was it for Health, Communities, Disability Services and Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Committee
Date 13 July 2018

Submission on the Review of termination of pregnancy laws
Who was it for Queensland Law Reform Commission
Date January 2018

Submission on the Discussion Paper Expanding healthcare quality and patient safety reporting
Who was it for Queensland Health
Date 27 October 2017

Submission on the Consultation Draft National Framework for Maternity Services
Who was it for Strategy, Policy & Planning Division, Queensland Health
Date 18 April 2017

Submission on the Inquiry into Public Health (Medicinal Cannabis Affordability) Amendment Bill 2017
Who was it for Health, Communities, Disability Services and Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Committee
Date 27 April 2017

Health Consumers Queensland submission on the Healthy Futures Commission Queensland Bill 2017
Who was it for Health, Communities, Disability Services and Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Committee
Date 27 June 2017

Health Consumers Queensland submission on the Health (Abortion Law Reform) Amendment Bill 2016.
Who was it for Health, Communities, Disability Services and Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Committee
Date 6 October 2016

Health Consumers Queensland submission to the Review of Pharmacy Remuneration and Regulation
Who was it for Australian Government and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia
Date 23 September 2016

Health Consumers Queensland submission to the Inquiry into the performance of the Queensland Health Ombudsman’s functions
Who was it for Office of the Health Ombudsman
Date 8 August 2016

Health Consumers Queensland submission to the Inquiry into Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016
Who was it for Legal Affairs and Community Safety Committee
Date 22 July 2016

Health Consumers Queensland submission to the Inquiry into Public Health (Medicinal Cannabis) Bill 2016
Who was it for Health, Communities, Disability Services and Family Violence Prevention Committee
Date 11 July 2016

Health Consumers Queensland submission to the Inquiry into Abortion Law Reform
Who was it for Health, Communities, Disability Services and Family Violence Prevention Committee
Date 30 June 2016

Health Consumers Queensland response to Queensland Sexual Health Strategy Draft
Who was it for Queensland Health
Date 25 June 2016

Health Consumers Queensland submission to the Inquiry into the Establishment of a Queensland Health Promotion Commission.
Who was it for Health and Ambulance Services Committee
Date 27 November 2015

Health Consumers Queensland submission to the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards Version 2 Consultation draft
Who was it for Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
Date 30 October 2015

Health Consumers Queensland response to Draft Guide to the NSQHS Standards for Community Health Services.
Who was it for Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
Date July 2015

 

Letters

HCQ TIP SHEET – partnering with consumers on COVID-19

On request from Hospital and Health Service staff, Health Consumers Queensland has created a brand new HCQ tip sheet for staff on how to involve consumers in COVID-19 planning, decision-making and communications . We hope you find this clear, simple and useful.  We have sent it to HHS Chief Executives and Engagement Advisors.  Please circulate it to any staff and consumers you know who should be partnering together on the local development of COVID-19 strategy and communication.

Download the tip sheet >

COVID-19 Community of Interest

If you would like to be a part of a statewide group of consumers who are interested in being involved on COVID-19 responses, please register your details via the link below. 

Sign Up >

Queensland Maternity and Neonatal Clinical Network Steering Committee

Closing date: 1 April 2024

The Department of Health is providing one (1) consumer or parent representative, from either a remote/rural/regional area or north Queensland, a unique opportunity to participate on the Queensland Maternity and Neonatal Clinical Network (QMNCN) Steering Committee. 

The position requires personal experience as a health consumer and the ability to present practical advice that reflects health consumers’ real-life experiences. The new role will work collaboratively with the existing consumer on the QMNCN Steering Committee.

Purpose

The purpose of the Queensland Rural and Remote Clinical Network (QRRCN) is to function as a specialist platform to share and provide expertise, advice and recommendations to Hospital and Health Services (HHS) and the Department of Health to support high quality, evidence based, safe, effective, and consumer focused, equitable public health services. read more…

Digital Health Research Advisory Committee

Closing date: Friday 22 March 2024

eHealth Queensland (eHQ) is providing a consumer representative the opportunity to be members of the Digital Health Research Advisory Committee (DHRAG). The DHRAG supports the Office of the Chief Clinical Information Officer to monitor the digital health research and innovation activities across Queensland Health (QH).

eHQ is a division of QH, which enables the delivery of health services to the community, supporting the information technology needs of the State’s 16 Hospital and Health Services (HHS) and Department of Health.

Why become a consumer representative on the Committee?

By becoming a consumer representative on the DHRAG, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable Committee experience and provide a much-needed consumer perspective to improve the functional cadence of the Committee. You will take part in decision-making on behalf of all consumers by bringing an essential, unique, and lived experience perspective. Your contribution will lead to better decision-making by providing a balance to the views of healthcare professionals. read more…

Digital Health Clinical Executive Committee

Closing date: Friday 22 March 2024

eHealth Queensland (eHQ) is providing one consumer representative the opportunity to be a member of the Digital Health Clinical Executive Committee (DHCEC). The DHCEC is accountable for providing agile clinical and strategic decisions, and clinical leadership relating to Queensland Health’s (QH) clinical enterprise systems, applications, and State-wide workflows. The DHCEC focuses on strategic clinical leadership, management, and direction, and provides an executive function to the State-wide Integrated Digital Health Clinical Advisory Group (DHCAG).

eHQ is a division of QH, which enables the delivery of health services to the community, supporting the information technology needs of the State’s 16 Hospital and Health Service (HHS) and the Department of Health.

read more…

Paediatric Consumer for Qld Respiratory and Sleep Clinical Network

Extended to 15 March Closing date: Friday 1 March 2024

Are you interested in improving clinical public Paediatric, Respiratory and Sleep health services in Queensland?

The Department of Health is providing one (1) Paediatric consumer or Paediatric carer representative the opportunity to participate on the Queensland Respiratory and Sleep Clinical Network (QRSCN) Steering Committee. 

The position requires personal Paediatric experience as a health consumer and the ability to present practical advice that reflects health consumers’ real-life experiences.

Read more about the Respiratory and Sleep | Clinical Excellence Queensland | Queensland Health

The purpose of the Queensland Respiratory and Sleep Clinical Network (QRSCN) is to function as a specialist platform to share and provide expertise, advice and recommendations to Hospital and Health Services (HHS) and the Department of Health to support high quality, evidence based, safe, effective, and patient focused, equitable public health services.

Read more or apply

Training paused for early 2024

Health Consumers Queensland’s training program is temporarily paused while we settle in some new team members. Keep an eye on our weekly eAlert and social media to be among the first to hear when our new series is released.

 

Catch up on our Webinar Series AI + Healthcare

While you wait, catch up on our latest webinar series which explores the technology that everyone is suddenly talking about: AI. Listen to our panel of expert speakers as they lead us to a greater understanding of this new technology. All episode recordings now available.  Read more

Joint Needs Assessment Working Group

Closing date: 9am Thursday 18 January 2024

If you have at least 6 months’ committee experience, a good understanding of the health system, and an understanding of health needs assessments, we invite you to apply for the consumer representative position on the Joint Needs Assessment Working Group. read more…

Queensland Rural and Remote Clinical Network Steering Committee Member

Closing date: 9am, Monday 5 February 2024

Have you or someone you care for required health services in a rural or remote area of Queensland?

Queensland Rural and Remote Clinical Network (QRRCN) Steering Committee invites a consumer or carer to participate.  The position requires personal experience as a health consumer and the ability to present practical advice that reflects health consumers’ real-life experiences. read more…

Queensland Health Artificial Intelligence Plan Project Steering Committee

Closing date: Thursday, 18 January 2024

The System Planning Branch (SPB) within the Department of Health is providing two health consumer representatives with the opportunity to participate in the project steering committee for the development of an artificial intelligence plan.

System Planning Branch is seeking consumers with experience and/or knowledge in artificial intelligence or digital health to contribute to the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) within the Queensland health system. read more…

Statewide Robotics Plan Steering Committee

Closing date: Thursday 18 January 2024

The Department of Health’s System Planning Branch is seeking two health consumer representatives to join Queensland’s robotics plan steering committee. This team aims to boost robotics use in healthcare across the state and welcomes applicants with experience in robotics or digital health, especially encouraging diversity and applicants from regional areas. read more…

Health Consumers Queensland welcomes new CEO

Health Consumers Queensland is delighted to welcome Bernadette Praske as Chief Executive Officer.

Bernadette joins HCQ with a background in Social Science and an excellent track record of leadership and outcomes in the health and human services sectors. She was most recently Chief Operating Officer at Mercy Community and before this held leadership roles at RSL Queensland, Mates4Mates, Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement Co Ltd, Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN, and with the West Moreton Hospital and Health Service leading transformation and strategic community engagement.

Bernadette’s appointment comes after a competitive and merit-based selection process including the perspective of a consumer representative at interview.

The Board of HCQ is confident in Bernadette’s capability to deeply listen to and explore the needs of health consumers and to partner collaboratively with stakeholders.

Board Chair Miguel Diaz says “HCQ is measured on the meaningful change we create in health outcomes and systems and Bernadette is well qualified to lead our organisation to achieve this.”

Bernadette says ““I am very excited to join the team at HCQ. It will be a privilege to lead this important work supporting and amplifying the voices of health consumers throughout Queensland as we continue to work toward a consumer-centred healthcare system.”

“I am committed to increasing opportunities for meaningful partnerships and consumer representation across the spectrum of health services and driving consumer-led improved healthcare outcomes for people in our communities.”

The HCQ Board and team wish to thank former CEO Melissa Fox for the outcomes delivered under her leadership since 2015, and most especially during the COVID-19 pandemic period and wish her well for the future. The Board also extends their sincere thanks to Jo Smethurst for her outstanding interim leadership as Acting CEO during the leadership transition.

HCQ finishes 2023 with a capable and committed team, ready to serve consumer interests.

Reports

Stakeholder Roundtable Establishment of a Health Consumers Committee
Health Consumers Queensland and Queensland Health invited senior health staff, consumers, carers and stakeholders to attend the Stakeholder Roundtable held on 6th October 2015, to inform the establishment of a Health Consumer Committee.
Date 6 October 2015

Every K over is a killer…putting the brakes on obesity
A joint report from the Queensland Clinical Senate and Health Consumers Queensland following a one-day forum on obesity prevention in Queensland. To view the presentations from the forum and the resources developed go to the Queensland Clinical Senate website.
Date 31 July 2015

A charter for care of adult patients at the end of life
A charter developed by the Queensland Clinical Senate and Health Consumers Queensland in collaboration with RACGP Queensland, Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, Australian Medical Association Queensland, Health Ombudsman, and Private Hospitals’ Association of Queensland.
Date May 2015