Independent advocates from the Nationwide Health and Disability Advocacy Service are available to provide free education sessions and presentations that relate to the Code of Rights, the role of the Advocacy Service in supporting or guiding resolution between the parties, and the Health and Disability Commissioner’s functions.

These sessions may be provided to consumer or provider groups of five or more people. The list of the programmes available is set out below, but sessions can also be tailored to best suit the needs of your group as well as the time available.

To discuss your needs and to make arrangements with the advocate in your area, please telephone 0800 555 050 or email advocacy@advocacy.org.nz

 

Programmes available

Download this information. (PDF 354kb)

 

The Code of Rights and the Advocacy Service

Introduction to the Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994, the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights and the Nationwide Health and Disability Advocacy Service.

 

Self-advocacy

The focus is on ways consumers can feel safe to speak up and gain confidence to problem solve and self-advocate. Includes tips on how consumers can take their own actions to resolve a complaint. These skills are also useful for resolving problems that are outside the jurisdiction of the HDC legislation.

 

Dealing effectively with complaints

Includes key elements for providers on achieving resolution in a safe and positive way, plus tips for rebuilding relationships.

 

Using complaints to improve service quality

Explores the benefits of linking complaints and quality improvement policies so that every complaint becomes an opportunity for learning and quality improvement.

 

Tell someone

This session is based around scenarios on a DVD showing ways consumers can speak up. It is acted by consumers with an intellectual or learning disability who live in residential homes.

 

Informed consent

Understanding the requirements of informed choice and consent in the provision of health and disability services.

 

Open disclosure

Promoting the disclosing of full information to consumers, including to their legal guardians. Suitable for services needing to comply with the Health and Disability Sector Standards.

 

Cornerstone: Applying the Code of Rights in medical practice

A programme for those working in general medical practice. The session is based on the Code of Rights, with case studies to provide practical examples.

 

Building a “Rights safe” partnership

This session looks at consumers getting “best care” and providers promoting positive communication and problem-solving within their facility.

Last reviewed February 2019