Your Rights as a user of Health Services in New Zealand

As a user of health services in New Zealand you have certain rights. These are set out in the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights. This Code became law on 1 July 1996 as a regulation under the Health and Disability Commissioner Act. It confers a number of rights on all consumers of health and disability services in New Zealand and places corresponding obligations to providers of those services.

The obligation under the Code is to take "resonable actions in the circumstances to give effect to the rights and comply with the duties” in the Code.

The rights of consumers and the duties of providers are as follows:

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

For more information about the Health and Disability Commissioner and the complaints process see the Health and Disability commissioner website.

New Zealand College of Midwives Resolution process

The NZCOM offers a resolution process if you are not happy with the care you have received from your midwife. It you have concerns or unresolved issues about the care you received from your midwife you can contact the Resolution Committee in your area.

The Resolution Committee aims to provide a neutral, accessible, confidential and supportive service where women can have an opportunity to resolve issues with the midwife concerned.

This is a free service.

The Resolution Committees have been established in each NZCOM region to help make the process of resolving concerns and questions easier. The committees offer a point of first contact for women who wish to discuss concerns they have about their midwifery care.

The Committees are made up of one midwife and one consumer nominated by the College region and local consumer groups. These people have training in the resolutions process.

The Resolution Committee does not have the ability to punish or take away a midwife’s right to practice. It can suggest that a midwife undertake professional development including Midwifery Standards Review.

If after meeting with the Resolution Committee, you remain unhappy about the service you were given, the Resolution Committee can advise you about other avenues where you can direct your concerns. These include the Health and Disability Commissioner, Accident Compensation Corporation or the Midwifery Council of New Zealand.

Women can provide feedback about the midwifery care they received. To do this the consumer feedback forms can be downloaded or contact nzcom@nzcom.org.nz. This feedback is used by the midwife and the reviewers during her Midwifery Standards Review.

For further information contact:
New Zealand College of Midwives
PO Box 21-106, Christchurch
(03) 3772732
nzcom@nzcom.org.nz