David knows what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by the health system.
As a renal patient, his lived experience has given him valuable insight. He now shares this insight as a Codnsumer and Literacy Reviewer to help make health materials clearer and more useful for others.
“You can’t buy experience,” David said.
“I continually encounter patients and visitors who really don’t understand what they are going through or what’s up next.
"If I can pass on my experiences, they feel safer, more in control, and empowered to ask the relevant questions.”
David has reviewed a wide range of resources from pain management guides to patient information sheets. Sometimes the changes are small, like spotting a popular beer brand in a photo. However, often they are vital such as ensuring commonly used pain relief medications are not overlooked in a key document.
Through this work, David said he no longer felt ‘lost’ in the system.
“Being involved has given me confidence that the documentation supplied will be the best it can be, understandable and current," he said.
“Knowledge that makes me feel safer and reassured that the treatment I am receiving is right for me.”
Beyond his consumer role, David is a husband and father of four. He’s been unable to work for the past four years due to hereditary illness but says being a consumer reviewer has helped him find purpose again.
“I have felt useless until I discovered I could be useful again," he said.
When reflecting on his health journey, David shares an important lesson.
“Do what you want to do when you can. Don’t leave it until ‘one day’ because things can change in an instant and you will be wishing the rest of your life that you had done it.”
And his advice to anyone new to the healthcare system?
“Feel confident to ask questions, lots of questions," he said.
"If you don’t feel up to it, bring along a family member, friend, or social worker who can ask them for you.”
David’s story shows how the lived experience of patients can shape resources, support others, and improve the health system for everyone.
If you know a patient or family member who might be interested in using their experience and voice to improve health outcomes, contact WBBHS.Consumer@health.qld.gov.au.