Having a problem with a health or disability service?
Call your local Advocate.
Your rights when receiving a service provided under the Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994
E ngā mana, e ngā reo, tena koutou
Tena koutou e kawe nei i o tātou whānau ki te oranga, ki te pai. A rā kia kitea te kanohi ora e te kanohi ora. Kia ora.
The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ 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. Independent Advocates are also available to support consumers to uphold their rights under this Act.
You Can Take Action!
If you are unhappy about the service you received from a health or disability service provider you can:
- Take your concerns directly to the person or organisation that provided the service.
- Get help and support from friends, family or whānau to raise your concerns with the provider.
- Seek the support of an Advocate to help you to resolve your concerns.
What Does an Advocate Do for You?
- Listens to your concerns.
- Gives you information about your rights.
- Helps you identify and clarify issues.
- Helps you to explore the options available to assist you to resolve each issue.
- Supports you in the actions you take to resolve your concerns.
He aha ngā mahi ka āhei kia mahia e ngā kaitautoko?
- āwhina i te hunga pa pouri ki ngā mahi o te ratonga Hauora, Hauātanga ki a rātou whakamōhio atu i ngā tika
- whakamōhio i nga huarahi whakatakoto amuamu, me pehea hoki te whakapā atu ki te Toihau Hauora, Hauātanga • tautoko i te hunga e whakapono ana kua takahia ratou i raro i te ‘Ture Tiaki i Ōu Tika’
- whakatinana i ngā whakaritenga ki tāu e whakahau ai
- āwhina tāngata kia pakari ai i roto i te tiaki i a rātou ake.
The Advocacy Service is …
- FREE
There is no charge. The service is funded under the Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994. - INDEPENDENT
Advocates are employed by services independent of health and disability service providers and funders and from government agencies. - CONFIDENTIAL
Advocates will keep your information confidential. - ON THE SIDE OF THE CONSUMER
An Advocate will support consumers who believe their rights under the Code of Rights have been breached. - AVAILABLE TO GIVE PRESENTATIONS
Advocates are available to give free presentations to both consumer and provider groups, on Advocacy, the Health and Disability Commissioner, and The Code of Rights.
Your Rights when Receiving a Health or Disability Service
- Respect
Mana - Fair Treatment
Manaakitanga - Dignity and Independence
Tū Rangatira Motuhake - Appropriate Standards
Tautikanga - Effective Communication
Whakawhitiwhitinga Whakaaro - Information
Whakamōhio - Choice and Consent
Whakaritenga Mōu Ake - Support
Tautoko - Rights During Teaching and Research
Ako Me Te Rangahau - Have Your Complaints Taken Seriously
Amuamu
More information is available about the Code of Rights. Ask your Advocate or health or disability service provider.
How to call your local advocate
Free Phone: 0800 555 050
Free Fax: 0800 2 SUPPORT/0800 2787 7678
Email: advocacy@hdc.org.nz
Kaitaia: (09) 408 0006
Kaikohe: (09) 405 2262
Whangarei: (09) 430 0166
North Shore: (09) 441 9001
Auckland Central: (09) 525 2700
West Auckland: (09) 838 8068
South Auckland: (09) 273 9549
Thames: (07) 868 5318
Hamilton: (07) 834 3960
Tauranga: (07) 577 1715
Whakatane: (07) 307 0646
Rotorua: (07) 349 0182
Gisborne: (06) 868 3590
New Plymouth: (06) 759 2111
Turangi: (06) 386 0943
Napier: (06) 835 1640
Wanganui: (06) 348 0074
Palmerston North: (06) 353 7236
Masterton: (06) 370 8870
Porirua: (04) 237 0418
Lower Hutt: (04) 570 0850
Wellington: (04) 389 2502
Nelson: (03) 544 4116
Christchurch: (03) 377 7501
Timaru: (03) 684 1594
Dunedin: (03) 479 0265
Invercargill: (03) 214 0415
For any enquiries or concerns relating to the advocacy service phone 0800 555 050 and ask to speak to the Manager.
Alternatively, you can send an email or fax addressed to the Manager.