New chairwoman for health council named
FORMER nurse, ambulance officer and health administrator Karen Browne has been named the new chairwoman of the Community Health Council.
Created by the Southern District Health Board and WellSouth to bring a patient viewpoint to health decisionmaking, the health council was an important organisation which people had to be more aware of, Ms Browne said.
‘‘As consumers become more confident in the work that we are doing, then they can reach out to their various networks,’’ she said.
‘‘Provided that we are all on the same page, they can reach out to their communities, express the importance and validity of the work that we are doing, and I hope that will raise our profile somewhat.’’
The health council, formerly chaired by Prof Sarah Derrett, has held a range of public meetings and forums on health issues since its establishment in 2017.
‘‘I would hope to continue Sarah’s terrific work and have the CHC recognised as an acknowledged voice in the codesign or review of any programmes,’’ Ms Browne said.
The council has also taken part in several service review projects to provide a patient’s perspective.
‘‘We need to leave emotion aside and present some good solid facts to our DHB,’’ Ms Browne said.
‘‘Hopefully, that will allow them to hear the consumer voice and have it guide the services they are providing.’’
The Community Health Council had already shown its worth in public consultations such as on the primary and community health strategy, and it would continue to be involved as innovations such as the health care home model became more widespread, she said.