Consumer engagement at GICS
Get Involved
Have you or your loved ones had an experience of cancer care in the Grampians region? We welcome anyone with experience of cancer, whether as a patient or carer. We value your experience and greatly appreciate people’s willingness to work with us to improve services.
You can participate in any of the following:
- GICS Consumer Advisory Group (below)
- Project committees and workshops
- Review of information for patients
- Attendance at meetings and events
However you choose to be involved, we will support you along the way. Consumer roles are voluntary and we can provide ongoing support. For more information or to register your interest, please contact GICS using the form below.
Enquire about becoming a consumer representative
Consumer Advisory Group
The GICS Consumer Advisory Group (CAG) formed in 2011 and is currently comprised of 10 committed and passionate representatives. The group meets each month to represent consumer interests on various GICS projects, initiatives and committees. The group actively seeks views from people affected by cancer regarding unmet needs and service improvement opportunities, including from marginalised groups.
Current Members
- Alan Crouch
- Penny Johnston
- Ian Kemp
- Mary-Rose McLaren
- David Deutscher
- Pauline Prebble
- Sandra Bamkin
- Angela Moore
- Julie West
- Karen Sanderson.
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 available to recently diagnosed cancer patients and their support network, to guide them through their treatment and supportive care options.
"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