Expressions of Interest for a Consumer Advisor

Expressions of Interest for Consumer Advisors for the New Zealand Female Pelvic Mesh Service About the Company Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to building an inclusive health system that serves all New Zealanders, grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We are committed to listening to the voices of our communities and ensuring that our health services meet the needs of those affected by surgical mesh. About the Service In 2019, the Ministry of Health initiated a Restorative Justice process to gather insights from New Zealanders impacted by surgical mesh complications. The stories collected were independently analyzed, culminating in the report "Nga korero a nga morehu - he urupare, Hearing and Responding to the Stories of Survivors of Surgical Mesh," compiled by a team from the Diana Unwin Chair in Restorative Justice at Victoria University of Wellington. The New Zealand Female Pelvic Mesh Service emerged from a consumer co-design process led by the Ministry of Health. The implementation of the Model of Care and Service Specifications was developed in collaboration with six consumer advisors who have experienced mesh-related injuries. Our national service operates across two hubs, one located in Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) and the other in Otautahi (Christchurch), which began accepting referrals in late April 2023. About the Role We are currently seeking one consumer advisor to join our Southern Hub. This team includes the national programme manager, a national co-lead, a service manager, clinical nurse specialists, navigators, and allied therapists. The consumer advisor will play a key role in monitoring and recommending improvements for the service while providing support to consumers over the next twenty-four months. Ideal applicants will possess the following attributes: - Personal experience with complications from surgical mesh due to female stress urinary incontinence and/or pelvic organ prolapse, either directly or as a support person. - An understanding of the New Zealand health system. - Experience navigating a public hospital in the last three years, either as a consumer or as a close family member of someone affected by mesh issues. - Knowledge of the various roles within the healthcare team, including specialists, physiotherapists, nursing roles, and pain specialists. - An understanding of informed choice and consent processes. - Strong communication skills, especially in stressful or sensitive situations. It is essential that applicants reside within the referral district of the Southern Hub, preferably in the Canterbury area, to facilitate attendance at in-person meetings as required. All consumer representatives will be reimbursed for their time, and while travel is not a standard requirement, any agreed-upon travel will also be reimbursed. Time Commitment The service operates on a 48-week year, with meetings and consultations scheduled to avoid public holidays and the Christmas and New Year period. The time commitment for this role may vary based on consumer support needs, which may include providing assistance during appointments or offering consumer perspective advice to the team. Specifics Remuneration for this role will be in accordance with the DPMC revised fees framework, classified under Group 4: All Other Committees and Other Bodies, at Level 4 (members fee range). Working at Health New Zealand At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, we are committed to providing excellent healthcare for all New Zealanders. We value a diverse and inclusive workforce, which allows us to better understand and serve our community. We encourage applications from individuals across our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. How to Apply To apply, please submit your application through our online careers portal. If you have any questions regarding the role, feel free to contact Kerri McCarthy at Kerri.McCarthy@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz. We will review applications as they are received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advertisement.