Consumer engagement at NEMICS

North Eastern Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service (NEMICS) logo

NEMICS values the voices of people who have a cancer experience.

We understand the best way to improve cancer care is to hear from people with cancer and have experience of healthcare services.

It was because of this understanding that NEMICS formed a Consumer Advisory Group – Consumers (people affected by cancer, living with it, and/or caring for or supporting someone who is) provide advice and make an active contribution to improving cancer services, working with the NEMICS program staff and health services within the region.

The NEMICS consumer participation strategy has 4 key strategic directions:

  • develop the NEMICS consumer network and consider other structures for participation
  • consumer participation at all levels
  • consumer and carer participation in research activities
  • support the capacity of consumers and carers to participate effectively in their own care.

Consumer participation is supported at a national and state government level.

Further support
Consumer engagement across the VICS
WeCan Supportive Care Website
“The cancer health system is a confusing place for consumers on entry and during treatment. No-one enters this system voluntarily. Through my involvement as a health consumer representative and advocate, I hope to improve the experience and health outcomes for those diagnosed with cancer.”

Get involved

If you have had an experience of cancer or supported someone through cancer, your knowledge can help us understand the needs of people affected by cancer and contribute to improvements to cancer services.

You can participate in a range of ways, including:

  • becoming a member of the NEMICS Consumer Advisory Group
  • involvement on project committees, attending small group discussions and workshops
  • reviewing and providing feedback on patient information pamphlets and service improvement ideas
  • providing advice on Cancer Services Improvement project plans
  • volunteering your time to support people in the community.

Find out more about getting involved

I am a...
“Being involved in such a program ensures that the experiences I endured during my own cancer battles, along with the processes I went through, can be put to good use in assisting present and future consumers.”

Consumer advisory group

The NEMICS Consumer Advisory Group provides lived-experience advice, consumer advocacy, and support to NEMICS. Through co-design, it supports improving patient experience and outcomes.

Current members:

  • John Clements
  • Jenny Dexter
  • Graeme Down (Chair)
  • John Hall
  • Catherine Kelly
  • Sue Matthews
  • Cindy Schultz-Ferguson
  • Chris Sounness
“It is very satisfying to know that the issues we have input to, or involvement in, are making improvements to the way cancer services are delivered – which we hope leads to better outcomes and experiences for others.”

Projects

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