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.

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 Advisory  Committee and Program Advisory Groups provides advice from a consumer perspective. This advice contributes towards the decision making process of the Nepean GP Network and the activities it undertakes. 

The Consumer provides:
  • 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 organisation's  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 Consumer 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
  • To promote Heath understanding and prevention strategies within the Community
  • Suggest and support further opportunities for consumer involvement in programs and activities of the Nepean GP Network

HCAC - Membership

 The Consumer Advisory Committee 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.

Resources

HCAC Terms of Reference
File Size: 440 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Summary of Discussions
Feb 2024 HCAC Diabetes Project
File Size: 39 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Contact us if you would like to become  a Member

Phone: 02 4734 8556
[email protected]

Office Bearers

Co-Chair: Joe Rzepecki
Co-Chair Dr Shiva Practice OAM
​Secretary: Cathy Daniels