Source: Health and Disability Commissioner
The Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC) is asking all New Zealanders to have their say, in a public consultation opening this week, about their rights when using health and disability services.
Commissioner Morag McDowell says the views of all people are central to a review of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights (the Code) and the Health and Disability Commissioner Act (the Act).
“Our public consultation is an opportunity for everyone using health and disability services, to influence the way the Act and Code protect and promote their rights,” says Ms McDowell.
“Equally, it is an opportunity for providers of services to shape their obligations and the way complaints are resolved.”
Ms McDowell says HDC wants to ensure the Act and Code work equitably for all New Zealanders.
Kaitohu Mātāmua Māori | Director of Māori Ikimoke Tamaki-Takarei says, “We believe we can better meet the needs of Māori by making sure te Tiriti o Waitangi│the Treaty of Waitangi is put into action in practical ways.”
“This includes adding protections to make sure te ao Māori, including tikanga, are integral to the Act and Code, and ensuring there are processes for more equitable Māori engagement.”
Ms McDowell says, “There have also been shifts in our awareness of tāngata whaikaha | disabled people’s rights and how we understand mental health and addiction. This means we must strengthen accessibility to the Code and complaint processes, and set expectations for people to have the support they need to make informed choices and give informed consent to treatment.”
“When the Act and Code work for everyone they contribute to improved health and disability services, better responses when things go wrong and better health and wellbeing outcomes for all.”
HDC is seeking feedback on five key topics to improve the Act and Code:
– Supporting better and equitable complaint resolution
– Making the Act and Code more effective for, and responsive to, the needs of Māori
– Making the Act and Code work better for tāngata whaikaha | disabled people
– Considering options for a right of appeal of HDC decisions
– Minor and technical improvements
Feedback can be as simple as a few words or a more in-depth response and can be provided through a range of formats, including the online survey, email or post. HDC is also providing opportunities in four regions to meet with groups in person and can make other opportunities available on request.
People can learn more about how to have their say on our consultation website at review.hdc.org.nz.
The public consultation runs from 30 April to 5 pm 31 July 2024.
