Your rights as a patient

We want to ensure that all your rights are met.

Every person who uses health and disability services has rights and  Southern DHB staff 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

Pamphlets explaining your rights when using our services are available in all wards and departments.

For more information on your rights contact:

• 0800 11 22 33
• E-mail: hdc@hdc.org.nz

If you feel your rights have been breached, please refer to the feedback and complaints process for the health provider from which you have received your care. Information relating providing feedback to Southern DHB hospitals can be found here.