Health service champions for users to raise profile

Advocates from the Nationwide Health & Disability Advocacy Service will be out and about on the streets in July, providing information about consumer rights when using a health or disability service.

Pacific communities throughout the country, including Porirua’s, will be the focus for 48 advocates, as such communities are less likely to know about their rights, said a group spokesperson.

The Code of Health & Dis- ability Services Consumers’ Rights came in to effect in 1996. Under the code, a nationwide consumer advocacy service was established to promote consumers’ rights and to assist consumers who feel their rights have not been respected.

The advocacy service is free, confidential and independent of health and disability service providers.

Advocates are available to provide free education sessions on consumer rights and provider responsibilities, as well as the role of the Health and Disability Commissioner and how an advocate can assist.

Anyone who wants information about the Code of Rights, how to organise a free education session or believes that their rights under the Code of Health & Disability Services Consumers’ Rights have not been respected, can phone 0800 555 050 or email advocacy@hdc.org.nz to be put in touch with an advocate.