Health and wellbeing

Your relationship with your doctor is very important. You and your doctor need to work together to gain the best health care for you.

Over time your doctor will learn about your health needs, and trust, honesty and respect can be built.

You must be told everything you need to know about your treatment and personal care. Your doctor should answer all your questions and check to make sure you understand.

If you do not have a doctor, look in the front of the telephone book, in the section Registered Medical Practitioners, or ask a community health group or Citizens Advice Bureau www.cab.co.nz

You can also look at the online register at www.mcnz.org.nz

Doctors have a code of ethics, and patients have a code of rights – the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights. You have the right to complain if you have any concerns about your doctor.

Among the rights that must be complied with under the Code of Health and Disability Services’ Rights include the right to respect, dignity and independence, and those concerning the quality of care, the process of informed consent and the right to complain.

The Health and Disability Commissioner protects these rights. Contact the office of Health and Disability Commissioner on 0800 11 22 33, email hdc@hdc.org.nz or visit www.hdc.org.nz

There are a number of user friendly sites devoted to mental health, some of which incorporate daily chat support groups.

Included are:

Recreation is an essential component of our lives and sport is one leisure activity that offers health advantages.

The new SPARC (Sport and Recreation New Zealand) encourages participation and, with the Halberg Trust, has partnerships with 17 regional sports trusts.

They ensure that people with disabilities can participate in sport and physical activities. A “No Exceptions” strategy promotes rights, participation, achievement, accessibility, information, initiatives, volunteering, supports and partnerships.

To get more active, contact www.sparc.org.nz or phone 0800 ACTIVE. The Halberg Trust website is www.halberg.co.nz

For those who seek participation and competition, there are systems in a range of sports. Go to www.paralympicsport.org.nz