Expressions of interest are open for a consumer focus group regarding the Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) development of the Third Edition of the National Safety and Quality Health Services Standards (NSQHS).

What are the NSQHS Standards?

The National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards are a set of rules and guidelines that health services across Australia must follow to keep patients safe and to make sure they receive high-quality care.

Why do they exist?

These Standards were created to:

• Protect patients from harm
• Improve the quality of care in hospitals and other health services
• Support health services to work with patients, families, and carers in planning and delivering care

What do they cover?

There are eight Standards in total. They focus on important areas like:

• Keeping people safe from infection
• Making sure medications are used safely
• Preventing falls and pressure injuries
• Helping patients be involved in decisions about their care
• Improving how health services communicate and work together
• Making sure consumers are involved in the way healthcare services are designed, delivered, and reviewed

The ACSQHC is undertaking this initial consultation in preparation for the new edition of these standards.  This engagement opportunity is happening collaboratively between the ACSQHC and HCT.  HCT is supporting the recruitment and attendance of consumers.

More information about the development of the third edition of the Standards is available here: NSQHS Standards (third edition) – Public Consultation 1 | Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

If you would like to be involved in having your voice heard about the new standards, please see the information below.

What: Focus group
Where: Online – Zoom
Who: Interested consumers who have accessed hospital services in Tasmania
When: 27 August at 12pm
Remuneration? Yes, $75 paid by bank transfer or pre-paid debit card
Support?  Yes, support is available if online access is an issue for you or you have other barriers to attending that we are able to support.

You can express interest by completing this form and we’ll get back to you regarding the outcome.

If you have any questions, please contact admin@healthconsumerstas.org.au or phone (03) 6210 2800