Introduction

The role of the Health and Disability Commissioner is to promote and protect the rights of consumers as they are set out in the Code of Health and Disability Services' Consumers Rights. This is achieved not only by facilitating the resolution of complaints that people make when they have a problem with the service they receive, but also, and importantly, by educating consumers and providers about their rights and responsibilities when receiving a health or disability service.

This section of the website carries information that may be of interest to both consumers of health and disability services, and the providers of these services. Information includes media releases, articles, presentations, brochures, annual reports, other reports, guidance on open disclosure policies, submissions, and accessible formats. It also includes reports about the nature and frequency of complaints involving District Health Boards.

Cataract surgery: availability of public care

What do I need to know about "informed consent"?

What are investigations all about? An investigator's perspective

Receiving treatment from alternative health care providers

Improving communications for people with speaking and hearing impairments

Test Results: is no news good news?

Waiting to be seen in accident and medical clinics