Desley
As a registered nurse and nurse academic, I have had a long career in health care delivery in the private and public sectors in Australia and Singapore.  I have also been a consumer, mostly in the primary care sector, due to my life-long chronic illnesses. I had also cared for my late husband as he progressed through lung cancer.  Then unexpectedly I had surgery, from which I have never fully recovered. I was forced to give up my job – which I loved, so now I was also experiencing unexpected retirement. It was fortuitous that Community and Oral Health, End-of-life advertised for a consumer on their sub-committee as I had experienced both being a carer of my late husband, as well as having undertaken some research into grief, loss and bereavement. I believe the combination of my lived experience, research and career as a registered nurse allows me to have meaningful input. I understand the system from both perspectives but most importantly from a consumer’s perspective. As well as that, it is great fun and I really appreciate being able to ‘give back’ to health service delivery. 

Lisa
I have lived with Diabetes since 1999 during this time I have had a lot of experience with health care and time spent in hospital for a variety of reasons.  I have a husband who has Asperges and an elderly mother which I am her sole carer.  I want to help make positive changes to the health care system as over the years I have seen many things that need improving.  I’ve seen many changes over the years of how care is given, and I want to be a voice for those who are not able to speak up for themselves, to help implement new and innovative ways of providing care for all consumers.  There is a need for feedback and for consumers to get onboard with their own health care and the more I can help to promote this, the more consumers will have control over their own care.  If I can help others through my own experience, then I have left a positive legacy for change.  I enjoy being a part of different committees and the discussions we have and decisions we make.  I also want to improve the conditions for the health care professionals who work tirelessly.