Code of Rights champion Elisabeth Buckley has coached students at Royal Oak campus about people’s entitlements during health or disability treatments. The former nurse of 35 years enlightened learners about the 10 rights protecting patients under the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights. Elisabeth is an Advocate for the Nationwide Health and Disability Advocacy Service. She says the privileges are designed to protect people so it is crucial health providers know their duties.
People using a health or disability service in New Zealand have the following rights, she says:
- To be treated with respect
- To be treated fairly without pressure
- To have their dignity and independence respected
- To receive service delivered with care and skill
- To have full information and questions answered
- To be allowed to make an informed choice and give informed consent
- To have friends or whanau supporting you
- To complain. You can have help from a health and disability advocate.
- All the above rights apply when taking part in teaching and research.
