Executive Only Functions

Consumer Representation for the Bone Marrow Transplant Network

The Bone Marrow Transplant Network (BMT Network) has followed the lead of the Greater Metropolitan Transition Taskforce in appointing consumer representatives. There are currently 2 representatives who provide the consumer perspective to Êclinicians. We are now seeking further representation.

Consumer representation is designed to strengthen the BMT network in a number of ways. The most important role of the consumer representative is to bring a consumer perspective to the planning process when services are being proposed or developed. Their input is incredibly valuable when clinicians meet and begin to 'strategise' for service improvements - it helps by keeping our focus squarely on the people we are there to treat.

Other roles include taking part in specific working groups, such as working with clinicians to develop patient literature, being available for advice on consumer issues when required by clinicians within the BMT Network, and attending outside meetings with the BMT Network Executive. In recent months, for example, our consumer representatives have joined the BMT Executive to meet with Senior Health Department Officials, and attended a meeting with the Director of the Cancer Institute of NSW. They are also available as a contact person for various consumer support agencies, and can provide guidance to other agencies on consumer representation issues.

The position is entirely honorary, and no payment is received by our consumer representatives for their time. Reimbursement is provided for travel expenses to meetings or other 'out of pocket' requirements, such as postage or phone calls.

The consumer representatives have an open invitation to attend the BMT Network meetings, and usually split this responsibility between them. They provide valuable feedback to the clinicians and have key input into the decision making process.

The recruitment process for consumer representatives is by public advertising and an interview process. The BMT Network advertises extensively in the press for expressions of interest, and from the applicants two are selected by interview. Their appointment is for 12 months, with an option for a 12 month extension if desired.

There are a number of things that the consumer representatives are not commissioned to provide. They are not able to provide one on one support or pastoral care for individual patients, and are not available to be a spokesperson for the BMT Network unless specifically authorized.

If you would like more information on our Consumer Support Program, or would like to contact our consumer representatives, please see our contact details page for our contact numbers and email address.