Your health

Your rights

Every person who uses health and disability services has rights. The organisations and people who provide health and disability services have duties. These rights and duties are clearly set out in the Code of Health and Disability Services - Consumer Rights.

In summary, your rights under this code are:

Right to be treated with respect
Right to freedom from discrimination, coercion, harassment, and exploitation
Right to dignity and independence
Right to services of an appropriate standard
Right to effective communication
Right to be fully informed
Right to make an informed choice and give informed consent
Right to support
Rights in respect of teaching or research
Right to complain

Need more information?

Nationwide Health & Disability Advocacy Services provide a free, independent advocacy service to help people ensure their rights are respected.

Phone 0800 555 050 or 06 835 1640 for the Hawke’s Bay office (based in Napier)
or phone 06 868 3590 (based in Gisborne) for Wairoa consumers.