Report highlights barriers disabled people face in health services
A report released today by the HDC highlights the significant barriers disabled people continue to face when engaging with health services. Complaints made to the HDC detail the impact of a health system that does not meet the needs of disabled people.
Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner, Rose Wall said that HDC’s report reflects concerns disabled people have consistently raised for many years.
“Disabled people engage more frequently with the health system, yet too often they continue to face barriers that affect their dignity, safety and ability to access care on an equal basis with others.”
‘Disabled People’s | Tāngata Whaikaha Experiences of Health Services: report on complaints to HDC’ details an analysis of complaints received between 2023 and 2025. The HDC makes a series of recommendations related to the right of disabled people to receive safe, person-centred care.
“Disabled people experience poorer health outcomes, and implicit and explicit biases towards disability remain.”
“Trust in the health system is critical. Disabled people need to know they will have their rights upheld when they receive care.”
“This report looks at how gaps in service design, communication and coordination within and between agencies negatively impact on disabled people’s experiences and outcomes.”
Over the three-year period, HDC received approximately 1,800 complaints from disabled people about health services. A close review of 176 complaints highlighted recurring issues relating to person-centred care, cultural responsiveness, informed consent, understanding and management of coexisting health and disability conditions, and coordination of care across services.
“Improving outcomes for disabled people requires more than individual service improvements – it requires a coordinated, cross-system approach. I have recommended that Health NZ and Disability Support Services work together as lead agencies to address the issues highlighted in the report.”
The report identifies the need to strengthen reasonable accommodations and reduce barriers to care and highlights the importance of cross-agency collaboration in supporting disabled people to navigate between multiple systems.
HDC has also stressed the importance of the health workforce being supported to improve their understanding of the rights of disabled people, the diverse experiences and support needs of disability communities.
“Disabled people must be at the centre of this work. Their voice and leadership are essential in shaping services that are safe, accessible and responsive to their needs.”
HDC will continue to work with relevant agencies and providers to monitor progress and advocate for system-wide improvements.
The full report is available here.
This release of this report coincides with the publication of ‘A Window on Disability’ by the Health Quality & Safety Commission Te Tāhū Hauora, with both reports highlighting the ongoing barriers and inequities in outcomes disabled people continue to experience across the health system.