Thank you for joining the CQ Health Consumer Network.
We'll keep in touch with you via our Consumer Network e-newsletter. You can read about other ways we communicate with health consumer representatives in our Health consumer representative communication plan [PDF 168 kB].
Your membership is current for one year. After a year you'll need to renew your membership.
Get started
Here is some suggested reading for new consumer representatives:
- Read A Guide for Consumers Partnering with Health Organisations from the Health Consumers Queensland website. If you'd like a printed copy email CQHealthConsumerNetwork@health.qld.gov.au or phone 07 4920 5776.
- Learn about our health service in the About us section of our website. You can also read our publications and reports.
- Find out about the level of care consumers can expect from health service organisations, in the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards.
- Read about healthcare rights.
Support is available
You can get help from our staff, or ask for advice from other consumers.
Experienced health consumer representatives are happy to mentor and support new consumer representatives. If you'd like to connect with a health consumer representative mentor or mentee, email CQHealthConsumerNetwork@health.qld.gov.au.
Training
We'll provide you with orientation, training and support. For a full training guide read Health Consumer Representatives training, skills building and mentoring [PDF 211 kB].
CQLearn
You'll be given access to our online learning system, CQLearn. Log in to complete your orientation.
Recruitment training
If you're participating in staff recruitment and selection, you'll need to attend a one-hour online training session using Microsoft Teams.
The session will get you ready to participate on an interview panel for hiring new staff. It will give you an overview of our recruitment process and your role as a consumer representative.
Register for a session on CQLearn.
Sessions will be held on:
- 11 October 2023, 1pm
- 5 December 2023, 1pm
Health Consumers Queensland
Health Consumers Queensland provide a range of free online training and virtual sessions. Go to their website to register your interest.
We will email you information about training opportunities.
Take part in activities
Health consumer representatives can take part in activities such as giving feedback on publications, taking part in working groups or focus group and participating in committees and recruitment panels.
Opportunities
We will list advertised opportunities here. We try to get back to you within 3 weeks of the closing date. If you've submitted an expression of interest and haven't heard back please get in touch.
Staff recruitment and selection
We involve health consumer representatives in hiring staff, to:
- provide a consumer voice in the selection of people who represent our values.
- provide an opportunity for applicants to show us how they might interact with patients and families.
To find out what to expect, and ideas and advice to help you participate, read Consumers in staff recruitment [PDF 220 kB].
You'll need to attend a recruitment training session to participate in staff recruitment and selection.
Committees and groups
Consumer representatives participate in groups, networks and committees to give advice on local health care services from a community perspective.
Our consumer committees report to our executive team through our Consumer and Community Advisory Committee. View the health consumer network [PDF 858 KB].
You can be paid for your participation in some types of committees and groups. We advertise these paid opportunities, and provide information about the role and responsibilities involved. Health consumers submit expressions of interest and we follow a transparent selection process when choosing who to appoint.
When you're appointed to a committee or group, a 'key contact' staff member will support you. They'll ask you about how you want to receive communication.
For information about your role, what to expect and tips for meetings read Consumers on committees, networks, and groups [PDF 187 kB].
Expenses and payment
Out-of-pocket expenses
We’ll reimburse you for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses like:
- Travel costs (to and from in person meetings)
- Paid parking at Rockhampton Hospital
- Public transport costs
Keep your original receipts to make a claim.
Participation payment
You can claim a payment for your participation in some types of activities (such as recruitment panels, or high-level committees).
The payment is:
- $187 for activities up to and including 4 hours duration
- $374 for activities over 4 hours duration or per recruitment panel process
The advertisement for the activity will say whether you can claim this payment. You can discuss payment with your ‘key contact’ staff member.
How to claim
We’ll need some information from you before you can claim. To get set up to claim, email your ‘key contact’ staff member or call 07 4920 5776.
If you're set up to claim (you have a vendor number), complete the expense claim form [PDF 237 kB].
Last updated: September 2023