What does a representative do?
| Be truly representative |
Get message across to providers |
| Check your representativeness | Use the media |
| Consult who you represent | Negotiate with providers |
| Encourage participation | Lobby |
| Feedback | Run a campaign |
A representative requires…..
skills
knowledge
certain traits
and support
…. to be effective
Strengths and Weaknesses
Skills - learned
Knowledge acquired thru experience
Characteristics - innate
Reps need to recognise and utilise their own strengths and weaknesses, and those
of the group
….it all builds confidence
Access can people get the goods and services they need or want?
Choice is there any?
Safety are the goods or services dangerous to health or welfare?
Fairness are some or all consumers unfairly discriminated against?
Information is it available, accurate and useful?
Redress if things go wrong is there a system for putting them right?
Representation do consumers have a say in how goods or services are provided?
Pilot course with N. Tyneside CHC shadow patients forum – the participants views
“In view of the importance and relevance of the subject matter, perhaps it
(Stronger Voice) could be a condition of membership to attend the Patients’
Forum.Volunteers need training!”
“It made me more aware of my role as a representative. It gave me basic awareness
from which I can now work from and build on. It made me very much aware of my
weaknesses.”
“….it should be compulsory for all.”