CONSUMERS

Consumers

The Nepean GP Network coordinates a number of programs and services for the community to promote good health. It actively involved seeks the voice of its consumers and recognises the place promoting health and education.

COVID19 TELEHEALTH Guide for Consumers

The University of Queensland has released a guide to assist patients in maximizing their telehealth experience. Penrith GPs are only using Telephone calls for Telehealth consultations at the moment, but the technology is available for video conferencing and electronic Prescriptions (eScripts) sent straight to your Pharmacy, who may even home deliver.
Quick guides for consumers
What is telehealth and is it right for you? Explains the basics of telehealth and describes how to find telehealth services.

Attending a video consultation Explains how you should prepare so you can get the best out of your video consultation.

Why does the Nepean GP Network have Consumer Representatives?

The Consumer Reference Group and Program Advisory Groups provides advice from a consumer perspective. This advice contributes towards the decision making process of the Nepean Division of General Practice and the activities it undertakes.

The Consumer Representative provide:

An avenue for communication between GPs and other consumers/consumer organisations
A broad perspective of consumers opinions and experiences with primary health care
An opportunity for consumers to provide feedback to general practice in a formal and confidential manner as a means for ensuring continuous quality improvement.
An efficient mechanism for gathering consumer’s suggestions on health and social issues relevant to the Divisions role and specific programs of the Network
Community awareness and support for the Network
Links with marginalised sectors of the community, to ensure that their services best meet the needs of the local population

Activities where the consumer could have input would be:

Strategic program development
Identification of gaps in services
Strategic planning/priority setting
Feedback about programs and services run by the Network
Comment on changes facing General Practice that will impact consumers
Policy issues on which the Division may wish to lobby

Health Consumer Advisory Committee

The Health Consumer Advisory Committee (HCAC) consists of people who come together to provide advice to an organisation, from a consumer perspective.
The NGPN HCAC has been operating since the year 2000 and is in receipt of two National Health awards. It is member of Consumers Health Forum and Health Consumers NSW.

HCAC - Functions

To provide information and advice from a consumer perspective to enhance the role and work of the Nepean GP Network
To discuss and comment on the needs of communities in the Nepean area and issues related to general practice
To comment on health issues and policy that are being developed or that are established within the Network
To participate in relevant aspects of the strategic planning of the Nepean GP Network
Suggest and support further opportunities for consumer involvement in programs and activities of the Nepean GP Network

HCAC - Membership

The Consumer Reference Group is made up of representatives from the diverse sub section of the community with a particular focus on health wellness and health promotion.
Membership will broadly be representative of the demographic and socio-economic spectrum of the Penrith LGA.
The positive role of Carers will also be supported.