Consumer and community engagement
Calvary Kogarah is committed to meaningful and effective engagement with our consumers, carers and the broader community. By actively involving the people we serve in the planning, delivery and evaluation of our services, we are better positioned to provide responsive, high-quality care that reflects both individual needs and the collective priorities of the diverse communities who access our services. This approach supports improved health outcomes and ensures our services remain person-centred, inclusive and respectful.
Our approach
Our approach to consumer and community engagement builds on the strong partnerships we have developed over time with patients, families, carers and community representatives. These relationships have informed and strengthened the way we listen, learn and respond, and have helped establish a shared understanding of what matters most to those who use our services.
Our commitment
This commitment underpins our ongoing efforts to embed continuous and meaningful engagement across the organisation. It supports the development of consistent practices, systems and capabilities that enable our workforce to confidently and effectively engage with consumers and the community, ensuring their voices continue to inform decision-making and service improvement.
New members are always welcome
Join our Consumer Register
Patients, families, carers, visitors, and members of the community, play an important role in improving the quality of care provided by Calvary Health Care Kogarah. Your input, ideas and feedback are invaluable to us.
Our Consumer Register is a group of present and past patients, family members and community members who have expressed an interest in engaging with Calvary Health Care Kogarah on a variety of activities to ensure consumer feedback and opinions are represented within hospital activities and services.
You decide how you would like to participate in the Calvary Health Care Kogarah Consumer Register, based on your interests, experience and availability.
Commitment levels vary depending on the role and your capacity at the time. Participation is entirely flexible and voluntary. You are free to accept or decline any invitation to participate, and you may request to be removed from the Consumer Register at any time.
Members of the Consumer Register may choose to contribute in a variety of ways, including but not limited to:
- Contributing to the development and review of patient information materials (brochures, leaflets, fact sheets, etc.)
- Participating in surveys, focus groups and community consultations
- Sharing personal stories and experiences of healthcare
- Gathering feedback from patients and families about their experience of our services
- Joining a hospital working party, reference group or committee
- Participating in staff education and training sessions
- Partnering with the hospital to develop solutions and implement recommendations for service improvement
- Serving as a consumer representative on staff interview panels
Depending on the nature of the role, there may be specific requirements prior to participation, such as an interview or orientation. Any pre-requisites will be clearly outlined when opportunities are shared with members of the Register.
When people are actively involved in decisions about their own healthcare and the services we provide, we achieve better health outcomes and build stronger, more responsive health services.
Evidence consistently shows that meaningful consumer involvement leads to services that are more accessible, appropriate and aligned with the needs of the community.
With the support and insight of consumers, we can:
- Learn about your experiences and expectations of our services
- Better understand what we are doing well and where we can improve
- Gain valuable input and advice from people who use — or may use — our services
- Ensure the information provided by our healthcare professionals is clear, relevant and meets your needs
- Draw on lived experience and community expertise to guide service improvements
- Your voice helps shape the future of our hospital and ensures we continue to deliver care that reflects the needs and values of our community.
All community members who use — or could potentially use — services at Calvary Health Care Kogarah are welcome to apply.
This includes:
- Patients
- Carers
- Family members or friends
- Community members within the local health district
We value diverse perspectives and encourage applications from people with a range of experiences and backgrounds.
Eligibility criteria
To join the Consumer Register, you must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have direct or indirect experience of using services at Calvary Health Care Kogarah
- Have an interest in healthcare and a desire to contribute positively
- Be willing to provide constructive feedback to help improve the quality of care
- Be willing to participate on a voluntary basis
- Be willing to sign a confidentiality agreement
Please note: Staff currently employed by Calvary Health Care Kogarah are not eligible to join the Consumer Register.
You can register your interest using the form below, or email us directly.
For more information about how you can sign up to being a Consumer Representative, please call us on (02) 9553 3536 and ask for the Director of Mission Integration, or email us directly:
Staying connected with consumers
If you are interested in adding your voice and experience to help us improve the work we do and the care outcomes for our patients, we would love to hear from you.
To register your interest, please fill out the form below.