Health & Disability Commissioner

Rights for people when receiving health care and disability services.

Everyone using a health or disability service has the protection of a Code of Rights. An independent Commissioner promotes and protects these rights under a New Zealand law called the Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994.

Under the Code of Rights you have the right to:

- respect and privacy
- fair treatment without pressure or discrimination
- dignity and independence
- a quality service to be treated with care and skill
- effective communication with the person providing the service
- all the information you need about the health or disability service being provided (in New Zealand, people are encouraged to ask questions and to ask for more information to help them understand what is happening)
- make your own decision about your care, and to change your mind
- a support person with you at most times
- rights during teaching and research
- have a complaint taken seriously.

If you are unhappy about the services you have received, or something goes wrong, and you feel your rights have been breached, you can:

* talk to the person you received the service from, or the person in charge, as they may be able to sort out the problem;

* get help and support from family and friends to raise your concerns with the provider;

* seek the support of a free independent health and disability advocate from the Nationwide Advocacy Service to help you resolve your concerns. Visit our website (www.hdc.org.nz) for Advocacy brochures in 13 languages, or telephone the Nationwide Advocacy Service
0800 555 050.

Health And Disability Commissioner