Consumer Representation

An area of special interest for Women’s Health Action is consumer representation in policy, planning and health care implementation, and the allied topic of consultation.

We have worked on many committees developing guidelines, standards and performance indicators. We have participated in health services audits, external reviews of services and have played a significant role at three major inquiries: the Cartwright Inquiry into inadequate treatment of women with cervical abnormalities at National Women’s Hospital (1987-88), the Baby Physiotherapy Inquiry into injuries and deaths among pre-term neonates at National Women’s Hospital and the Gisborne Inquiry Into Under-Reporting of Women’s Cervical Smears (2000).

We continually argue for a more powerful consumer voice in the health sector in New Zealand.

We have been at the forefront in developing education/information resources for consumers that adopt an evidence-based approach, and promote partnership models of health care delivery and informed decision-making.