When receiving services from Te Whatu Ora Taranaki you have the right to:
- Be treated with respect (Mana) for your culture, values, beliefs, and personal privacy.
- Fair treatment (Manaakitanga). No-one should discriminate against you; pressure you into doing something you do not want or take advantage of you in any way.
- Have your dignity and independence (Tu Rangatira Motukake) supported in the way services are provided.
- Receive care that meets legal, ethical and professional standards (Tautikanga) so that all involved in your care will work together to provide quality and continuity of service.
- Good communication (Whakawhitiwhitinga Whakaaro) through being listened to and informed in a way you can understand, including the use of interpreter services on request.
- Full information (Whakamohio)
- to have your condition explained to you and the benefits and risks of treatment options
- to know the name, position and role of any staff involved with your care
- to take part in decisions about your care and treatment.
- Choice and Consent (Whakaritenga Mou Ake). You can:
- say no or change your mind at any time without it affecting your care
- refuse treatment if you choose to. In some cases this right is limited by law
- give written or verbal consent before any treatment procedure is carried out
- have support persons (Tautoko) of your choice present
- give consent before you or your records are involved in any research or teaching session (Ako Me Te Rangahau). Research consent must be written.
- Make a written or verbal complaint. (Amuamu). Firstly tell the person(s) caring for you, then let the nurse manager know. If you are still unsatisfied you can make a formal complaint on our Feedback page.
The staff of Taranaki District Health Board is committed to working in partnership with you to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
We ask that you:
- Be involved in your treatment and care wherever possible.
- Inform us if your rights are not being considered.
- Be sensitive to the needs of other patients by:
- respecting their privacy and keeping any information you hear about others confidential
- not taking photos, video or recordings of people or procedures without their permission.
- Respect all staff members involved in your care by:
- complying with all requests made of you as far as you can
- providing us with all information that could assist with your care and treatment
- recognising medical treatment cannot be given without your co-operation.
- Be responsible for your personal property. Te Whatu Ora Taranaki accepts no responsibility for the loss of patient property.
Your health information:
Why do we collect it?
It is collected in order to provide appropriate care and treatment for you, and for administration purposes required by Government agencies.
Do I have to give it?
No. It’s voluntary, except where notifiable disease is concerned. But, the more we know the more quickly we can help you regain your health.
Who can see it?
- Staff at Te Whatu Ora Taranaki involved in providing and administering your health care.
- Outside agencies who help with your health care, such as NZ Blood Service.
- The Ministry of Health, for research and statistical purposes.
Can I read it?
Yes. On completing our form you may read your information or photocopy it prior to taking it away. We will also make available someone to help you understand it.
Can I correct it?
Again, yes. You have the right in law to access and correct your own information.
Can I read anyone else’s?
No. Not unless you have been given authority in writing and had your request approved by Customer Services or Medical Records.
Do people have to know I’ve been sick or had medical treatment?
Not at all. Please notify a staff member if you do not want family, friends, your GP or anyone else to know this.
We undertake to:
- Treat all patient information confidentially and store it securely.
- Give patients access to their own records where requested.
- Correct those records where necessary.
- Respond to patient complaints of breach of privacy.
- Keep patient records in accordance with the Public Records Act.
- Make their own information available to children who have reached sufficient maturity to understand it.
- Act with discretion and tact in patient interests when complying with lawful and appropriate requests from government agencies for information about your health.
For more information:
Te Whatu Ora Taranaki Feedback Team
www.tdhb.org.nz > feedback
Health and Disability Advocacy Service
Email: advocacy@advocacy.org.nz
www.hdc.org.nz
Health and Disability Commissioner
Email: hdc@hdc.org.nz
www.hdc.org.nz
Privacy Commissioner
www.privacy.org.nz
Last updated: Thursday, September 8, 2022