Your Rights
Health and Disability Services Code of Rights.
Everyone using a health and disability service, has the protection of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights. An independent Commissioner promotes and protects these rights under the Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994.
The Code of Rights means that you should have:
- Respect and Privacy - Mana
- Fair Treatment - Manaakitanga
- Dignity and Independence - Tü Rangatira Motuhake
- Appropriate Standards - Tautikanga
- Effective Communication - Wakawhitiwhitinga Whakaaro
- Information - Whakamöhio
- Choice and Consent -Whakaritenga Möu Ake
- Support - Tautoko
- Rights During Teaching & Research - Ako Me Te Rangahau
- Your Complaints Taken Seriously - Amuamu
For more information on the code of rights visit the Health and Disability Commissioner website here Opens in new window
Making a complaint - Health and Disability Advocacy
Advocates assist people with making sure their rights are respected. They help consumers to resolve complaints about health or disability services.
The service is:
Independent of health services, government agencies and the Health and Disability Commissioner
- Free
- Confidential
- On the side of the customer
An Advocate will:
- Listen to your concerns
- Give you information about your rights
- Help you identify and clarify issues
- Help you explore the options available to assist you to resolve each issue
- Support you in the actions you take to resolve your concerns
To contact your local Health and Disability Advocacy Service
Free phone: 0800 555 050
Local Hawke’s Bay Advocate
Phone: (06) 835 1640
Free Fax: 0800 2 SUPPORT (0800 2 7877678)
Email: advocacy@hdc.org.nz
Visit their website Opens in new window
To contact the Health & Disability Commissioner
Free phone: 0800 112 233
Visit their website Opens in new window