Whakamahia tō reo | Use your voice
We are reviewing the Code of Health and Disability Service Consumers’ Rights (the Code) and the Health and Disability Commissioner Act (the Act).
The Act and Code were established to ensure that people are treated as partners in their care, and have help to resolve issues and hold people accountable when this doesn’t happen.
The Act sets out what HDC can do, including how complaints can be resolved, and the Code sets out people’s rights when using health and disability services. Everyone who uses these services has rights and everyone who provides a service must uphold these rights, whether or not these services are paid for.
Public consultation
A public consultation is being held from 30 April to 31 July 2024. This is your opportunity to shape these rights, and the way HDC protects and promotes them. By having your say, you can help make sure HDC and the rights meet your needs and the needs of your whānau and communities.
What we want to know
We want to know how you think we can make the Act and the Code better. You will be able to answer questions on five topics:
- Supporting better and equitable complaint resolution;
- Making the Act and the Code more effective for, and responsive to the needs of, Māori;
- Making the Act and the Code work better for tāngata whaikaha | disabled people;
- Considering options for a right of appeal of HDC decisions; and
- Minor and technical improvements.
Have your say
You can answer all or some of the questions by completing the online survey at review.hdc.org.nz (or downloading it and filling it in).
Alternatively, you can send us your thoughts to review@hdc.org.nz or by post to PO Box 1791, Auckland, 1140. Your submission could be as simple as a few words or a more in-depth response. It’s totally up to you.
HDC wants anyone who wants to help improve the Act and the Code to have their say. You can help HDC by promoting the consultation and directing people to the consultation website at review.hdc.org.nz.