Diverse voices influencing health care
With an increase in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) population calling Penrith home and growing multicultural communities across our District, incorporating the consumer voice into the essence of health care has never been more important.
Formed in 2023, the Multicultural Consumer Reference Group (MCRG) provides support and guidance on projects, models of care, policies and participation and consultation to improve the health and quality experience of multicultural patients from our local communities.
Manager, Multicultural Health Service, Gordana Kostadinovska says understanding consumer diversity is a challenge facing our health service.
“Poor engagement with CALD consumers in a health care setting has been identified as one factor associated with their increased vulnerability to safety events,” says Gordana.
“The MCRG provides a nuanced approach, including both CALD and non-CALD, existing, and new consumers, and strives to build their knowledge, skills and confidence so they can all represent the needs of multicultural communities.”
The MCRG has recently received approval to begin work on the 2024-2025 work plan, prioritising health consumer representation and access to multicultural resources, research and training, as well as the active inclusion of CALD consumers in health meetings.
Quality Development Manager, Consumer Engagement Amanda Anicic, says the Group plays an important role in enhancing cultural responsiveness within health services.
“By integrating consumer input across all stages of service planning and delivery, the group ensures that services meet the diverse needs of our multicultural community effectively,” says Amanda.
MCRG Consumer Group Member, Napoleon Tavares says the group holds significant meaning to him.
“As a consumer you can represent a platform where diverse voices can influence health care for good,” says Napoleon.