Family Whanau & Consumer Representatives
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES
The Board of MASH Trust are responsible for making sure that the resources of the Trust are managed well and that the services provided are of a high quality for the people the Trust supports.
A number of the Trust Board members have responsibility for overseeing specific areas. This page is to provide you with information on two roles that may be of particular interest;
The Consumer Representative; and the Chairperson of the Family Whanau Advisory Committee.
While day to day issues relating to services are best discussed in the first instance with the relevant Service Manager and the Chief Executive Officer, there may be times when a consumer or family member may wish to bring matters to the attention of the MASH Board.
The role of Consumer Representative is undertaken by David Barrett and the Chairperson of the Family Whanau Advisory Committee is Bob Carlyon.
CONSUMER REPRESENTATIVE
I attended Otago Medical School until my 5th year when my illness first presented itself. I have had a variety of experiences since then. Currently I have a part-time job as a Health Auditor for Quality Health New Zealand and am also involved in the Like Minds Project. I am on the Executive Board for Pathways to Wellbeing and I represent Mental Health consumers on the MidCentral District Health Board Advisory Group (Mental Health).
My roles as I see them are;
- to make myself easily available in relation to issues which may arise for clients of MASH;
- to make referrals to appropriate persons;
- and to facilitate the resolution of issues.
Issues not resolved to the clients and/or family/caregiver's satisfaction should then be made known to the Board. Confidentiality is an important part of the role in the first instance.
I have an advantage in this role, as I am independent of the service and can represent client issues without conflict of interest.
David Barrett
The Family Advisory Committee is Chaired by Bob Carlyon. Bob is also a member of the MASH Trust Board and brings a family perspective to the Board discussions. Bob often visits services to have a chat with the people we support and their families if they are present.
Generally, families have a good working relationship with the staff and managers of the service that is supporting their family member. However, there are times when you may feel the need to talk with a board member or have a suggestion that you would like to put before the Board.
If you have an issue that you wish to discuss with the MASH Trust Board, you are most welcome to contact Bob. Bob makes himself available to attend family meetings and is happy to meet with a group or on an individual basis.
The Family Whanau Advisory Committee meets on an annual basis. Details of the date, time and venue will be sent out to you a month prior to the meeting so that you can forward any issues that you would like to raise or attend the meeting.
Bob Carlyon
