About Us.

It is an open secret in healthcare that patients with effective advocates (health professionals or health literate children or friends) get optimum care and achieve the best outcomes. Our goal is to become the health professional in your family and strive for those results through support and advocacy.
​

Dorothy Kamaker*  
​MN, PA Cert

After 30 plus years as a specialist ICU nurse (RPAH, RNSH & Mona Vale Hospitals) and academic  in NSW (University of Sydney) I decided to relinquish my registered nurse role to allow me focus on patient support and case management. Utilising my broad clinical and professional background, I decided to engage with healthcare from a patient perspective by providing support as an independent patient advocate. The knowledge and experience from my background informs my advocacy practice.  I do not provide healthcare or healthcare advice of any kind. 
​ 
For many years I worked as a patient advocate on a word-of-mouth "pro bono" basis for friends with success. In 2013 I left clinical healthcare practice to study patient advocacy and I established Patient Advocates Australia in 2014.

Medical and health based research is very clear that health literacy, age, advocacy, discharge planning and follow up are variables that influence outcomes, readmission and mortality.  The delivery of healthcare in NSW has changed in recent decades: you can no longer afford to sit back and hope that you will receive competent, timely, patient centred care. 

I have established collaborations with specialist medical and carer groups to provide support for acutely ill, hospitalised patients. In particular, I have worked with specialist doctors and patients across the private and public hospital systems in Australia. I am also retained by lawyers, powers of attorney and enduring guardians for clients who are ageing or whose health is failing and who seek advice/monitoring of home or residential care. 

AUSTRALIA WIDE PATIENT ADVOCACY: I provide patient advocacy for clients in all states and regions of Australia: NSW, Victoria, Queensland, WA, SA, ACT, Tasmania and NT.

SPECIALITIES: General health advocacy, Critical & Emergency Care, Aged Care, dealing with new diagnoses, planning and monitoring home based care, planning for independent ageing and end of life care.

E:  dorothy@patientadvocates.com.au
M: 0421 011 430
ABN: 11835990895
​

Alicia Dunn*
MN MPH MH PA Cert
​
I have been a clinical nurse across a broad range of specialities including cardiac medicine and transplant, general surgery, operating theatres and quality assurance.  My recent experience and passion is in the care and management of sick infants and children both in hospital and in the community. I have a particular focus on the complex health issues faced by disabled people in their dealings with hospitals and doctors. 

In Sydney I have worked at St Vincent's Private Hospital, North Shore Private Hospital, Royal North Shore hospital and Sydney Hospital.

Independent advocacy is a speciality that allows me to work with patients, their family members and their providers to achieve the best outcomes from medical and hospital care. My independence from any institutional constraints is a great strength. I work for and with patients.

For the past few years I have been raising three small children, all of whom have had challenging but successfully managed health problems. My personal experience taught me a great deal about what it can be like to be a disempowered and anxious parent. 2 years ago I qualified as a patient advocate and started my own business. 

I am available for one-on-one support, advice by phone and conference calls and would especially be interested in consultations for matters relating to infants and children and clients with dementia requiring home or residential care. In addition, I can assist clients who seek support applying for NDIS funding or for those with NDIS funding who require specific health related goals/support. 

I know that the difference in outcomes is very often a matter of advocacy, authority, an understanding of the hospital and health system and excellent communication and collaboration. 

AUSTRALIA WIDE PATIENT ADVOCACY: I provide patient advocacy for clients in all states and regions of Australia: NSW, Victoria, Queensland, WA, SA, ACT, Tas and NT.

SPECIALITIES: Neonatal and Paediatric management. Dementia, aged and home care.
​NDIS application/submission reports, NDIS healthcare management/support.

E:  alicia@patientadvocates.com.au
M: 0456 060 353
ABN: 41156643760 

*Each advocate has their own fee for service business. Please enquire about rates when you make contact.