Central Gippsland Health (CGH) is managing a pilot program to support community engagement and transparency in health care.
As the new CGH Care Opinion Project Manager, it’s Jude Bridgeman’s job to recruit and support small rural health services across Victoria to use community online feedback platform, Care Opinion Australia.
With 27 health services already registered, Ms Bridgeman’s goal is to recruit up to 10 more throughout the five regional areas across the state; Grampians, Loddon Mallee, Hume, Barwon South West Region and Gippsland, with expressions of interest closing in February 2022.
CGH has been using Care Opinion, formerly Patient Opinion Australia, for some years now. Care Opinion is an independent and confidential site where anyone can share their stories from their experience of care.
“Care Opinion also gives people the opportunity to see what others are saying about services and read how services respond and whether they make an improvement,” Ms Bridgeman said. “The platform supports a direct line of communication between service and client, supporting both to be honest, transparent and accountable.”
According to Ms Bridgeman, the more people who share their stories about their care experiences, the better health services will be across the board. Small rural health services interested in utilising Care Opinion Australia can contact Jude Bridgman, on 03 5143 8833 or email jude.bridgeman@cghs.com.au.