Consumer engagement at GICS
Get Involved
Have you or your loved ones had an experience of cancer care in the Grampians region?
We invite individuals with lived experience of cancer, whether as a patient, carer or family member, to partner with us to improve cancer care delivery.
There are many ways to contribute, and however you choose to be involved, we will support you along the way.
To learn more or to express your interest, please contact GICS using the form below.
Enquire about becoming a consumer representative
Consumer Advisory Group
The GICS Consumer Advisory Group (CAG) was established in 2011 and is made up of dedicated individuals who bring passion and lived experience to the group.
The group meets monthly to provide valuable consumer perspectives across a range of GICS initiatives.
Members actively contribute to discussions about the challenges faced by people affected by cancer and ensure that the lived-experience voice is meaningfully represented in GICS activities and decision-making.
Current members
- Alan Crouch
- Mary-Rose McLaren
- Pauline Prebble
- Sandra Bamkin
- Angela Moore
- Julie West.
Achievements
Throughout the years GICS have valued and sought to include lived-experience perspectives wherever possible, in assisting to shape priorities for improvement and in developing solutions.
This video focuses on some of the key achievements of the group over the past 15 years and is a helpful resource to potential new CAG members providing an overview of the CAG’s purpose and objectives.
GICS Consumer Advisory Group (CAG) Achievements
Resources
Amongst the CAG’s many achievements, a highlight for the group is a suite of podcasts, funded by GICS, and developed and produced by group members. The podcasts are free to access, providing insights into treatments and common effects people with a cancer diagnosis may experience, along with supportive care options available.
More recently, CAG have led the publication of a Carers Resources Guide to support carers of people with cancer – see below.
"Being a part of this visionary and activity-driven group has been truly satisfying!"
– Alan Crouch
"We have been empowered to address real problems and find real solutions, and so doing, we have positively impacted the experiences of people, many of whom have been at their lowest or most stressed point of their lives."
– Mary-Rose McLaren
"It is now generally understood that consumers offer insights into medical practices that are often not considered by health professionals. They have lived experiences as patients and carers that health workers might not know."
– Ian Kemp
