HDC Code of Rights

Health and Disability Commissioner

29 May 201510:29

Summary

TLDRThis video script discusses the rights of individuals using health or disability services, emphasizing the importance of being treated as individuals, receiving clear communication, and having the autonomy to make choices about one's care. It outlines the necessity of privacy, the prohibition of abuse, and the right to complain if services are unsatisfactory. The script introduces the role of a Health and Disability Advocate, who can assist with understanding rights, making complaints, and advocating for better care.

Takeaways

👤 Individuals using health or disability services have rights, including when receiving support at home.
🔍 People should be treated as individuals, with their opinions and privacy respected.
🙅‍♀️ No one should be taken advantage of or abused in the care and support setting.
🏠 Users have the right to choose their living arrangements, such as living with friends and receiving support there.
🍵 Users have the autonomy to perform tasks independently, like making their own tea.
🛡️ Care and support should be well-executed, safe, and conducive to a good life.
🗣️ Clear communication is essential; users should understand what is happening and have the opportunity to ask questions.
💊 Users have the right to know about their treatments, including potential side effects.
🤔 Users can make their own choices about care and support, with the option to refuse if they wish.
👥 A support person can accompany users during medical appointments or care situations.
🧐 Users have the right to be informed about research participation in a way they understand and to make informed decisions.
📞 If dissatisfied with care, users can lodge complaints and expect to be heard without repercussions.
🆘 Health and Disability Advocates are available to assist with understanding rights, making complaints, and self-advocacy.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video script?
-The main topic discussed in the video script is the rights of individuals when using health or disability services, including the right to be treated as individuals, the right to privacy, and the right to make choices about their care and support.
What does it mean to be treated as an individual in the context of health or disability services?
-Being treated as an individual means that your personal preferences, needs, and wishes are respected and considered when receiving care or support.
Why is privacy important when receiving care or support at home?
-Privacy is important because it ensures that personal and sensitive information is protected and that individuals feel comfortable and respected in their own homes.
What should a support worker not do when providing care or support?
-A support worker should not take advantage of the person they are caring for, such as misusing their money or belongings for personal gain.
What can a person do if they feel their support worker is not treating them fairly?
-If a person feels their support worker is not treating them fairly, they can talk to the support worker's manager to address the issue.
Why is it important for care and support to be tailored to the individual's needs?
-Tailoring care and support to an individual's needs ensures that the care is appropriate, safe, and effective in helping the person live a good life.
What is a 'Health Passport' and why is it useful?
-A 'Health Passport' is a document that contains important health information about an individual. It is useful because it helps healthcare providers understand the person's needs and preferences, facilitating better communication and care.
What information should be provided to an individual about their care and support?
-Information about an individual's care and support should include what is happening to them, their choices, when things are likely to happen, the cost, and the results of any tests or treatment.
What does it mean to make an informed choice about medical treatment?
-Making an informed choice about medical treatment means understanding the benefits, risks, and alternatives of the treatment, and deciding whether to proceed based on this information.
What is the role of a Health and Disability Advocate?
-A Health and Disability Advocate helps individuals understand their rights, provides information, assists with making complaints, and supports them in meetings or self-advocacy efforts related to their care and support.
How can an individual make a complaint about their health or disability service?
-An individual can make a complaint by contacting a Health and Disability Advocate, the Health and Disability Commissioner, or by filling out an online complaint form on the official website.
What should happen if an individual is treated differently after making a complaint?
-If an individual is treated differently after making a complaint, they should inform someone else about the situation, such as another staff member or by contacting the support line for assistance.

Outlines

00:00

🤝 Rights and Autonomy in Health and Disability Services

This paragraph introduces a group of people discussing their rights when using health or disability services, including the presence of support persons in their homes. It emphasizes the importance of being treated as individuals, having privacy, and not being taken advantage of. The paragraph also touches on the inappropriate actions of a support worker, Fiona, who misused a client's money. The discussion highlights the need for support that enables independence, is well-executed, and tailored to the individual's needs and preferences, such as living arrangements and understanding medical treatments. It also stresses the right to be informed clearly about one's care, including costs, choices, and potential side effects of treatments.

05:07

📢 Advocacy and Complaints in Health Services

The second paragraph delves into the process of making complaints regarding health or disability services and the role of Health and Disability Advocates. It explains the right to complain if one is unhappy with the care received and the importance of having complaints addressed by responsible parties. The paragraph introduces Laschelle, a Health and Disability Advocate, who offers support in understanding rights, making complaints, and self-advocacy. It provides contact information for advocates and the Health and Disability Commissioner, and outlines the steps and potential outcomes of making a complaint. The goal is to ensure that poor care is addressed and does not recur, promoting a system of accountability and continuous improvement in health services.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Rights

Rights refer to the legal and moral entitlements that individuals have, especially in the context of receiving services. In the video, the theme of rights is central, emphasizing that individuals using health or disability services have specific rights to be respected, such as being treated as individuals, having privacy, and not being taken advantage of. The script mentions, 'When we use a health or disability service we have rights,' highlighting the importance of these rights in ensuring quality care and support.

💡Support Person

A support person is an individual who assists or accompanies someone else, particularly in situations where they need help or advocacy. The video script discusses the importance of treating support persons with respect and involving them in care decisions, as seen in the line, 'People should talk to me and ask me about how I want to be treated.' This concept is integral to the video's message of empowerment and inclusion in healthcare.

💡Privacy

Privacy is the state or condition of being free from being disturbed or observed by others. The script emphasizes the right to privacy when receiving care, stating, 'People should give you privacy when you ask for it.' Privacy is a fundamental aspect of the video's theme, underlining the respect and dignity that should be afforded to individuals during healthcare interactions.

💡Advocacy

Advocacy involves supporting a cause or arguing for or recommending a particular approach. In the video, advocacy is presented as a means for individuals to assert their rights and seek help when they are not receiving adequate care. The script introduces Laschelle as a 'Health and Disability Advocate' who can 'listen to you and give you information about your rights,' showcasing the role of advocacy in ensuring individuals' voices are heard.

💡Complaint

A complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction or protest, typically formalized when addressing issues with services received. The video encourages individuals to make complaints if they are unhappy with their care, as illustrated by the line, 'That means you can complain if you are not happy with the care you receive.' The script also provides avenues for lodging complaints, reinforcing the theme of empowerment and accountability in healthcare.

💡Self-advocacy

Self-advocacy is the act of speaking up for oneself, particularly in the context of one's needs and rights. The video script touches on the importance of self-advocacy, as seen in the statement, 'I can talk to you about self-advocacy.' This concept is key to the video's narrative, promoting the idea that individuals should be equipped to navigate their own care and support.

💡Care and Support

Care and support refer to the assistance and services provided to individuals, especially those with health needs or disabilities. The video script frequently mentions care and support, emphasizing the quality and appropriateness of these services, such as in the line, 'The care and support should be right for you, safe and help you live a good life.' This phrase encapsulates the video's focus on the importance of personalized and effective care.

💡Health Passport

A Health Passport is a document or record that contains an individual's health information, preferences, and needs. In the script, it is mentioned as a tool for individuals to communicate their needs to healthcare providers, as in 'I wrote that in my Health Passport!' This concept is part of the video's theme of ensuring that individuals have the means to express their healthcare requirements and preferences.

💡Consent

Consent is the agreement or permission given by a person to proceed with a particular action, such as medical treatment. The video script addresses the importance of obtaining consent, as seen in the discussion about research participation, 'Would you like to be a part of research about asthma?' The concept of consent is central to the video's message of respecting individuals' autonomy in healthcare decisions.

💡Treatment

Treatment refers to the care provided to a person to improve their health condition or alleviate symptoms. The video script discusses treatment in the context of medication and its effects, as in 'It will help with the infection, but it might upset your stomach for a few days.' The mention of treatment underscores the video's focus on the importance of understanding and informed decision-making in healthcare.

💡Research

Research in the context of the video refers to scientific studies or investigations, particularly those related to health conditions. The script introduces the concept of participating in research, as seen in the line, 'Would you like to be a part of research about asthma?' This keyword is part of the video's theme of informed participation and the right to understand and consent to medical studies.

Highlights

Introduction of People First members emphasizing the importance of individual rights in health and disability services.

The right to be treated as an individual and to have one's voice heard in healthcare settings.

The necessity of privacy when requested by individuals using health or disability services.

The importance of direct communication with care recipients regarding their treatment preferences.

Prohibition of exploitation and abuse within care and support services.

A personal account of financial abuse by a support worker, highlighting a breach of rights.

The principle of self-reliance in performing tasks to the extent possible for oneself.

The quality of care and support services should be tailored to the individual's needs for a good life.

The right to choose one's living situation and support arrangements, such as living with a friend.

Clarity and understanding in communication regarding care and support processes.

The use of a 'Health Passport' to facilitate communication during medical consultations.

Comprehensive information disclosure about care and support, including costs and treatment outcomes.

The right to ask questions and receive truthful answers about medical treatments and their effects.

The autonomy in making choices regarding medical treatments, including the right to refuse.

The option to have a support person present during medical appointments or care.

The right to be informed and understand research participation before making a decision.

The process for filing complaints about unsatisfactory care or service in health and disability sectors.

The role of a Health and Disability Advocate in assisting with complaints and understanding rights.

Availability of contact information for Health and Disability Advocates and the Commissioner.

Protection against retaliation for making a complaint and the support available if it occurs.