COMMUNITY CONSULTATION FORUM

Membership

Membership of the Community Consultation Forums will be sought from existing organisations in the townships with strong community networks, who are familiar with East Wimmera Health Service and who are interested in contributing to the ongoing service improvements of the Health Service.

East Wimmera Health Service Board representatives from each Campus, the respective Campus Manager and the Chief Executive Officer will consider the existing organisations in the respective townships, and in consultation with local stakeholders, determine the most appropriate mix and makeup of its Forum. It is possible that an existing community interest group could meet the objectives if both parties agreed. Alternatively, an existing interest group eg Auxiliaries, could form the core of the Forum with added representation from other organisations.

Summary

• At least one Board Member (Chairperson) nominated by the Board for each Forum.
• Board Chairperson (ex-officio) on each Forum.
• Representation as determined by each Campus up to a maximum of ten (10) community members whose term shall not exceed (3) years unless agreed to by majority of the Forum.
• Chief Executive Officer or nominated member of the Executive Staff.
• Campus Manager or delegate.

Purpose

East Wimmera Health Service recognises that community consultation is a key element of effective health care improvement.

A major goal of East Wimmera Health Service is to enhance and strengthen partnerships between the Health Service and the local communities. Establishment of the Community Consultation Forum represents a commitment to effective community consultation.

Objectives

• The Board of Management carries ultimate responsibility for the Health Service. The Forums will provide a consultative process whereby the Board can seek community input into areas of Health Service operations, planning and review. The Forums are groups that operate to provide views and input from a community perspective.
• The Community Consultation Forums will contribute to the Health Service by:
  1. Consulting on matters of strategic planning and service development.
  2. Reviewing the results of customer satisfaction surveys.
  3. Input into the development of health service brochures and pamphlets.
  4. Feedback on the Annual and Quality Report.
  5. Input to major quality projects such as management of complaints.
  6. Feedback on press releases and the Press Report from the Board.
• The Forums will liaise with local community groups and individuals, encouraging contribution from outside the Forum group.
• Relationships with the Chief Executive Officer or delegate will be maintained to ensure community issues are appropriately addressed.
• The Forums’ role will be supported by public meetings and other communication methods.

Meetings Frequency

Meetings of the Forum will occur at least annually at each Campus.

A quorum will consist of a Board Representative who shall be Chairperson, Executive Staff representative, Campus Manager Representative and at least 50% of Community Representatives at the meeting.

A mechanism for reviewing the effectiveness and membership will be conducted by the Board of Management on an annual basis.

East Wimmera Health Service will be responsible for preparing agendas, minutes and arrangements.

Minutes will be distributed to the Board of Management and tabled at Quality Assurance and Clinical Review Committee.

The Forum will report to the Board through the Forum Chairperson(s).

(Adopted by Board 23.10.07)