Patient advocates
Patient advocates
The Health Consumer Service is a group of trained, professional and approachable people who provide a free and confidential service for consumers who are concerned about the health care service they have received, feel they may need to make a medical complaint, or are confused about how the health system works and what they need to do.
The service has local representatives in the Health districts of Waikato, Tairawhiti, Lakes, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki, and covers any health service provided to a consumer in those areas, including medical and surgical, mother and baby, chemist/pharmacy, dental, disability support, home help, counselling, rest homes, mental health and community health services. It is fully funded by these DHBs.
Health Consumer Service
www.healthcomplaints.co.nz
0800 801 482
There is also a national Health and Disability Advocacy network that provides a free service and can assist you to resolve your complaint about a health or disability service.
Health and Disability Advocacy
www.advocacy.org.nz
0800 555 050