Support & Advocacy

Support and advocacy is a very important aspect of health in New Zealand. Everyone using a health or disablity service has the protection of a Code of Rights. An independent Commissioner promotes these rights under a New Zealand law called the Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994.

The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights 1996 specifies patients’ rights when receiving healthcare services. These are:

•  Right 1    Right to be treated with respect
•  Right 2    Right to freedom from discrimination, coercion, harassment and exploitation
•  Right 3    Right to dignity and independence
•  Right 4    Right to services of an appropriate standard
•  Right 5    Right to effective communication
•  Right 6    Right to be fully informed
•  Right 7    Right to make an informed choice and give informed consent
•  Right 8    Right to support
•  Right 9    Rights in respect of teaching or research
•  Right 10  Right to complain

Further information may be obtained on the Health & Disability Commmissioner's website.