Launched today by Minister for Health and Aged Care, The Hon Greg Hunt MP, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care’s (the Commission) National Safety and Quality Primary and Community Healthcare Standards aim to protect Australians from harm and improve the quality of health care that people receive in these settings.

St Vincent’s Private Hospitals, Brisbane and Northside, focus on providing specialised care to their culturally diverse consumer base. Partnering with consumers is embedded in the mission and values of the two hospitals. This has led to a culture where the whole workforce knows it is responsible for delivering person-centred care. This is supported through consumer engagement on governance committees, and a set of policies, tools and templates.

The South Western Sydney LHD is one of the largest LHDs in New South Wales, and about 30% of its consumers speak a language other than English. The district-wide Consumer and Community Participation (CCP) framework – currently in its sixth version – strengthens and encourages the LHD’s approach to partnering with consumers. The LHD supports consumer representatives to ensure they are confident and empowered to engage effectively. A Consumer and Community Participation Unit has guided respectful and meaningful consumer governance and partnership since 2002.

The Riverland Mallee Coorong LHN serves a large rural and regional area of South Australia. Since the original case study in 2018, Riverland General Hospital has had a significant shift in governance structures. It moved from being part of the Country Health SA LHN to becoming the Riverland Mallee Coorong LHN. The governing board and key committees now comprise local community members, which has led to better engagement with consumers and local communities.