'What matters to you?'

The WA Health "What matters to you?" movement is about connecting staff, patients, their families and carers. Every voice needs to be heard, and it is important the care we give to our community reflects what truly matters to them.

Instead of asking ‘what’s the matter with you?’, we want to know ‘what matters to you?’, so that we can make sure you feel supported and respected in our hospitals and health services.

Understanding the “What matters to you?” process

At regular times throughout your healthcare journey, members of your treating team will ask this simple question, enabling you, your carers and family to share what matters to them. These conversations uncover what’s important to you and help treating teams to build trust, develop empathy and better understand our patients.

This simple process consists of three steps.

Step 1: think about what matters to you

Spend some time thinking about what matters to you, and what you would like your treating team to know about you, your goals and your healthcare preferences.

Your emotions and feelings of fear or uncertainty may make it difficult for you to share what matters to you with a healthcare worker, but we encourage you (or the person who cares for you) to tell us:

  • about important people or pets in your life
  • your Country, cultural values and language preferences
  • any spiritual or religious requirements
  • what you need to feel safe and comfortable in hospital
  • any food preferences or dietary needs you have
  • favourite activities or interests that bring you joy
  • any equipment or sensory supports you need, such as hearing aids, wheelchair access, glasses, etc
  • any expectations or concerns you have, such as:
    • people or pets who need looking after whilst you’re in hospital
    • any upcoming appointments or commitments you want to make
    • any concerns you have about returning to work or managing daily tasks once you leave hospital.

Step 2: share what matters to you

Sharing with your treating team what matters to you helps them better understand your wants and needs and offer more personalised care.

There are different ways your treating team may ask “What matters to you?”, including:

  • “What is important to you at the moment?”
  • “What can we do to make sure you feel safe and welcomed?”
  • “What would you like us to know about you?”
  • “What are your goals and what would you like to achieve from your care and supports?”
  • “Is there something that you can tell us that will help you with your stay or recovery?”

Remember you don’t need to wait to be asked what matters to you – you can always start a conversation yourself – and there are no wrong answers to the question.

You might choose to share with your treating team thoughts like:

  • “I would like my wife to be here when the doctors come to see me today.”
  • “It’s really important to involve my grandson in discussions about my care.”
  • “The doctors told me I might be able to go home today, but I am worried I won’t manage at home.”
  • “I take a while to wake up in the morning and prefer to shower in the evening.”
  • “I am so lonely, and I miss my dog Ruby. She is staying with my son but gets upset when I am away”.

“What matters to you?” conversations with your treating team could include questions such as:

  • How can I keep my quality of life?
  • What are the benefits and risks of this test or procedure?
  • Are there simpler, safer options?
  • What happens if I don’t follow these suggested actions?
  • Can you provide more information so I can make a more informed choice?

Although your treating team may not always manage to address everything that you share with them, it is still important to have these conversations with them so they can support you as much as possible.

Step 3: work in partnership with us

Being involved in “What matters to you?” conversations helps build strong partnerships with your treating team.

What matters to you today may be different to what matters to you tomorrow – this is why it is important that these conversations continue throughout your patient journey.

More information

For further information about “What matters to you?”, please ask a staff member who will be able to answer your question.

You can also view the Staying safe in hospital booklet (Healthy WA).

Last Updated: 16/04/2026