A passionate and growing group of consumer partners is helping Logan and Beaudesert Health Service (LBHS) deliver more inclusive, thoughtful, and patient-centred care.
More than 30 consumer partners are currently involved with Logan Hospital, along with four at Beaudesert Hospital.
Representing a diverse mix of ages, cultures and genders, the group brings valuable perspectives that are helping to shape real and lasting change across the health service.
Partnering with Consumers Coordinator Sarah Collins said the group had grown significantly in recent years and now better reflected LBHS’ community.
“Our consumer partners are passionate about improving healthcare for their community and often challenge our staff to look at things from a different perspective,” she said. “We are lucky to have such an engaged, thoughtful group at LBHS that bring fresh perspectives, advocate strongly for others, and genuinely want to make the system better for everyone.”
At LBHS, consumer partners are embedded in many aspects of health service planning and delivery. They sit on safety and quality committees, review patient information, consult on building design and artwork, and contribute to the planning of new services. Many also support staff education, sit on recruitment panels, and participate in specialised projects from ICU diary development to Halal food preparation reviews.
Their influence can be seen in initiatives like the LBHS Welcome Statement, now displayed on every ward lift door, and the palliative care window decals at Logan Hospital, both designed to make patients feel more seen, respected, and supported.
The group also played a key role in selecting the consumer information posters displayed across LBHS facilities.
Sarah said it was thanks to their input that it was now mandatory for this information to be clearly visible within 15 steps of entering any ward or area, ensuring patients and visitors knew their voices mattered from the moment they arrived.
She also encouraged teams across the health service to involve a consumer in their next project, noting a recent collaboration with the Media and Communications team as a great example.
“Media and Comms approached me looking for consumers to be involved in both a Queensland Health photoshoot and the refilming of the ‘Our Values’ video,” she said. “It was a great opportunity for our consumers to take part in a more light-hearted activity within the hospital. It helped them feel valued and now, our resources feature real people from our community, not just stock images.”
The LBHS Partnering with Consumers team is currently looking to expand and are particularly seeking First Nations peoples, people with disability, and members of culturally and linguistically diverse communities, including Arabic, Afghani, and Pacific Islander backgrounds.