Health consumer leader built strong partnerships across the health sector

27 April 2022: Medicines Australia pays tribute to Leanne Wells as CEO of the Consumers Health Forum (CHF) and the outstanding contribution she made advocating for health consumers and lifting the patient voice for more than seven years.

Ms Wells will end her successful tenure at the CHF in August.

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said that Ms Wells has built partnerships across the health sector during her leadership of CHF and has always been open and transparent.

“Medicines Australia and the Consumers Health Forum, led by Leanne, have worked collaboratively on several new and existing projects to improve the patient experience,” Ms de Somer said.

“The Working Together Guide, was first developed in partnership in 2005, and updated in 2008 and 2015, and is currently going through another update to ensure it stays fit-for- purpose in the ever-changing health environment.

“CHF is also a member of the Continuity of Care Collaboration (CCC).

“The CCC is an Australian-first collaboration of peak bodies, industry, and healthcare organisations that stresses the importance of people continuing to monitor their health and maintain their regular care during COVID-19.

“The group represents stakeholders across the healthcare system, including physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, and patient organisations. Leanne and the CHF have made an enormous contribution to these efforts.

“The new Consumer Medicines Information (CMI) template was developed through usability testing with consumers, including the CHF, with input from other key stakeholders, including Medicines Australia.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, many patient organisations did not understand the complexity of the medicine and vaccine supply chain in Australia.

“In another successful collaboration, Medicines Australia and the CHF hosted a roundtable with patient group leads and patients to provide a baseline overview on the medicines supply chain in Australia, particularly as there were concerns raised during the pandemic.

“Medicines Australia has enjoyed working closely with Leanne and the CHF over many years, especially throughout the challenges of the pandemic.

“Leanne has been a champion for Australia’s health consumers and for a better health system, and it has been a pleasure, both professionally and personally, to work alongside her,” Ms de Somer said.

-ENDS-

For further information or media interviews, please contact:
Chrystianna Moran – 0424 995 118 / chrystianna.moran@medicinesaustralia.com.au
John Flannery – 0419 494 761 / john.flannery@medicinesaustralia.com.au