Patient Rights
All patients have certain rights when receiving a health or disability service in New Zealand.
Your rights
You have the right to:
- always be treated with respect
- not be discriminated against, pressured or taken advantage of
- services that promote dignified and independent lives
- be treated with care and skill and receive correctly administered treatment
- medical staff who listen to you and communicate clearly
- an interpreter if required
- a clear explanation of your medical condition and the types of treatment available
- an honest description of the risks and costs as well as the benefits of a proposed treatment
- ask questions and receive competent answers
- make your own decisions
- change your mind if you have already said “yes” or “no” to a course of treatment
- refuse to participate in teaching or research
- have a support person present at most times
- register a complaint.
These rights also apply to patients taking part in teaching or research.
Further information
www.hdc.org.nz – the Health and Disability Commissioner is an independent agency dealing with patient rights.
www.healthed.govt.nz offers easy access to popular brochures on health matters.
www.health.govt.nz – the Ministry of Health website offers information about all areas of the public health system. It includes links to District Health Board websites where you can find out more the services available in your area.
www.workandincome.govt.nz – the Work and Income site offers information about all benefits and allowances, including the Residential Care Subsidy and the Disability Allowance.
