The Patient Voice Initiative is a not-for-profit which aims to improve patient voices in decisions about healthcare in Australia.

Chairwoman Jessica Bean said she had seen that when patients and families advocate for the services they need and deserve, their lives can change.

"When you live day in and day out with a disease or health condition, you become an expert," she said.

"You know the true cost of living with illness, what treatment side effects really look and feel like, and how it impacts on your family.

"The only thing more heartbreaking than not being able to treat disease is knowing there is a treatment that works in ways that matter to patients, but not being able to access it because those who don't live with a disease have become the gatekeepers of what is good value in health," she said.

The initiative is hosting a free workshop at the Hobart Function and Conference Centre on March 21.

The workshop will include a presentation by Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee deputy chairwoman Jo Watson.

To get involved, register at Eventbrite.