Health Issues journal edition details

Consumer Experiences: Graeme Roberts

In this article, based on an interview Graeme gave in 2007, he describes how the role of consumer advocate brings together a family history of being involved in both the health system and community work together and stresses the importance of the consumer voice being heard and being part of the decision making process.

Consumer Experiences: Sophy Athan

After providing long-term care for family members for many years, Sophy became a consumer advocate to be part of systemic change in the health sector. This article is based on an interview Sophy gave earlier this year. In it Sophy speaks of the benefits and difficulties of being involved in changing the health system and the support consumer advocates need to work effectively.

Creating a Greener Environment at Northern Health

Like all other health care facilities, Northern Health has a significant stake in environmental health, which is reflected in two distinct but equally important realities of modern health care provision—both as a major consumer of various types of natural resources and as a major producer of various types of waste. Recent years have provided many opportunities to improve the environmental impact of health care provision and this article outlines some of the achievements Northern Health was made to lessen its impact on the environment.

When the Hospital Makes You Sick

The chemicals used in hospitals cause symptoms in people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). However, the indoor air quality in hospitals can be improved to make hospitals more accessible and healthier environments for everyone. This article describes some of the problems people with MCS experience when in hospitals, either as patient or visitor, and outlines what can be done to make hospitals more accessible for people with MCS.