Health and Wellbeing

Good health and well-being are vital for children during their school years. This involves more than just being disease-free and pain-free, it is about feeling good, being protected from harm, having access to health care during illness. It is about mana atua.

In the early years, dealing with professionals (doctors, dentists, therapists, specialists etc) can be tricky, because you will often be given a lot of information at one time. Sometimes the information will be difficult to follow and sometimes you will be upset by it. It is suggested that you take your partner, a family member or a friend along to meetings for support. That person can take notes, ask questions and help you to seek further information or other options.

You and your family doctor need to work together to gain the best health care for your family member. You must be told everything you need to know about their treatment and personal care. Your doctor should answer all your questions and check to make sure you understand.

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.

The Health and Disability Commissioner protects your rights.

Contact the office of Health and Disability Commissioner on 0800 11 22 33, email hdc@hdc.org.nz.