Consumers’ Rights
In New Zealand the rights of people who use any health services including all the care you receive during your pregnancy, labour and birth and after you have given birth, are explained in the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights. This is a legal document and all health care providers, including midwives, doctors and specialists are legally obliged to respect these rights when providing you with care. If you are unsure about your rights ask your LMC for a copy of this Code.
Informed Choice and Consent
All women should be given the opportunity to make informed choices about the care they receive and this means that they must be given access to accurate and unbiased information about:
Why any treatment/procedure is recommended
The desired outcome of any treatment/procedure and how effective/accurate the proposed treatment/procedure is likely to be in achieving this
An explanation of the actual procedure, who will administer it and any known side effects
Other options and how to obtain a second opinion
If you will have to pay for the proposed treatment/procedure
Before you receive any medical treatment or participate in any medical procedure your caregiver must obtain your informed consent. This implies that you have been given all the above information about the proposed treatment/procedure in an unbiased manner (and the alternatives on request) and have freely decided to give your consent.
If you believe your rights have been breached, it is best to talk or write directly to the person or organization who provided the service. Very often they will welcome your complaint, as it helps them improve their standard of service or uncover a problem.
If you feel uncomfortable or unable to do this you could take a friend or relative with you as support. You can also have the support of an independent Health and Disability Advocate who is trained to help people in your situation. This service is free.
Your local advocacy service and the Health and Disability Commissioner can be reached by:
Phone: Auckland (09) 373 1060
Fax: (09) 373 1061
Website: www.hdc.org.nz