Her position is one that is connected to NSW hospital standards, and one she says she will relish.

The mother of four, grandmother of 10 and no stranger to the aged care system, was handpicked by Hunter New England Health after ticking all the boxes for "partnering with consumers."

Pennie will act as a conduit between hospital staff, patients and their carers or families.

She explained that when a loved one is admitted to hospital the whole system can be overwhelming for the uninitiated - particularly for those families whose loved one my be gravely ill.

"The reason I guess I was approached was through my working with a wide range of people long term - the unemployed, people with disabilities, my connection with my own family and grandchildren," she said.

"I will be that advocate - that voice - the supports the people."

"My role is to assist the consumer and look from the outside in and present a clear perspective," Pennie said.

Her role is one of several similar roles covering other standards across the health care spectrum.

"I think it's a really good working group and it's still very much in its infancy," she said.

Pennie will also have a role in a similar capacity forging links between the community and NSW Health relating to the new Maitland Hospital.

"This aspect is very exciting for me as I was the Business Chamber President when we got the commitment from both governments for a new hospital.

"So I have a little bit of a personal interest in it from that point of view," she said.