News
Health and Disability watchdog’s Annual Report highlights pandemic challenges
Published: 19 March 2021
The challenges faced by people using health and disability services are highlighted in HDC’s latest annual report, says Health and Disability Commissioner Morag McDowell.
Health and Disability Commissioner welcomes mental health and wellbeing report
Published: 05 March 2021Health and Disability Commissioner Morag McDowell has welcomed Mā Te Rongo Ake, the Initial Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission’s report on the Government’s progress towards transforming the mental health and wellbeing of Aotearoa New Zealand.
HDC Newsletter - February 2021
Published: 24 February 2021HDC's stakeholder newsletter, sharing news and issues of interest with the health, social and government sector. In this issue: HDC welcomes the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission; new resources for consumers with learning disabilities; and HDC's report on complaints involving DHBs.
Consumers with disabilities
Published: 22 February 2021
HDC’s work for people who use disability services contributes to better, safer, and more equitable care. Deputy Commissioner, Disability Rose Wall works to increase awareness among consumers living with disability about their rights under the Code, and ensure HDC is accessible and responsive to all people.
HDC welcomes new Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission
Published: 22 February 2021
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission Act comes into force from 9 February 2021. This means the responsibility to monitor mental health and addiction services, and advocate for improvements has been handed to the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission.
COVID-19 update
Published: 15 February 2021
The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights continues to apply to health and disability services at all Alert Levels. Health and disability services are focused on providing safe services during the pandemic.
Critical challenges remain in transforming Aotearoa New Zealand’s approach to mental wellbeing
Published: 04 February 2021
Aotearoa New Zealand’s focus on wellbeing is a step in the right direction but critical challenges remain in transforming our approach to mental health and addiction, says outgoing Mental Health Commissioner Kevin Allan.
New video resources for consumers with learning disabilities
Published: 9 November 2020
The Health and Disability Commissioner and the Nationwide Health and Disability Advocacy Service have released a series of videos to help people with learning disabilities think about their own experiences with using disability services and their rights under the Code.
HDC Newsletter - October 2020
Published: 29 October 2020
First edition of the HDC’s stakeholder e-newsletter, sharing news and issues of interest with the health, social and government sector.
Response to complaint regarding 1000 Letters Project
Published: 21 September 2020
This letter is a response to a complaint HDC received regarding the Key to Life Charitable Trust's 1000 Letters Project. We are releasing the letter in response to a media enquiry we received regarding the project.