Stronger Voice
From our Conference November 2002
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
The consumer tests
- 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.”