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Your Choices...Your Health

Your Rights


It is important to let your doctor or pharmacist know how you feel. Just like making any request it is helpful to be specific ie, what is not meeting your needs and what you would like to have happen.

If you find it hard to speak directly to the doctor then you may prefer to write things down, or have a friend or family member assist you. Even though it’s hard, it’s better if you can talk to your doctor. Often there is a misunderstanding and both sides feel better when it’s sorted out.

You may wish to say "I’m not sure I understand what you said…" or "I’m worried that…" or "Could you explain that to me again…" or "Can I come back with my family to talk about this again…".

If you have a complaint about a general practice then contact your general practice in the first instance. You could also contact the Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner. Further information, including a copy of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights, is available on the Health and Disability Commissioner’s website - www.hdc.org.nz.

If you wish to complain about services that Disability Services funds you can email dsdcomplaints@moh.govt.nz or you can call our message box on freephone 0800 DSD MOH (0800 373 664).

Messages are cleared on a daily basis. More information about making complaints about Ministry of Health-funded disability support services is available on the Disability in New Zealand pages of this website - www.moh.govt.nz/disability.

Complaints about the collection, storage, use, accuracy, or disclosure of any information that identifies you, can be made to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner. Further information, including a copy of the Code of Health Information Privacy Rights, is available on the Privacy Commissioner’s website - www.privacy.org.nz.

Complaints about the Accident Compensation Corporation's services should be directed to the Accident Compensation Corporation - www.acc.org.nz.

Information on complaints regarding medicines can be found on the Medsafe website - www.medsafe.govt.nz/Consumers/complaint.asp.

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Page last updated: 5 October 2007


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