The Health and Disability Commission promotes and protect the rights of consumers as set in in the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights. 

The Code applies to all health and disability support services and gives rights to all consumers. 

It places obligations on people and organisations providing services. This includes anyone providing or claiming to provide any sort of health or disability service, as stated in the Health and Disability Commissioner Act. Examples of a few providers covered by the legislation are hospitals, nurses, doctors, medical specialists, diagnostic services, etc. 

 

Questions, concerns or problems 

If you believe that your rights or the rights of someone you know have been breached, it is best to talk or write directly to the organisation providing you the service. If you feel uncomfortable or are unable to do this you can take a friend or relative with you as support. You can also have the support of an independent Heath and Disability Advocate who is trained to help people in your situation. This service is free. 

 

The Health and Disability Commissioner website has clear information on what your rights are and advocacy services if you need some support:

Need someone to talk to?
8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday
0800 226 237 Information nurse

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Last updated: August 11, 2021