Welcome : Jan welcomed our speaker Julia Kennedy and also visitors, Myles Derry and Tayler Everett; and twelve members. Fifteen in all
Apologies had been received from : Gary Brown; Des Friedrich; Wally Garrett; David Gibson; Murray Gillespie; David Lusk; Dennis Eales and Simon Northrop.
Fines : Geoff Harding questioned members on their knowledge of local New Zealand history.
Host : Harry Duynhoven introduced Julia Kennedy – Advocate with the
Nationwide Health & Disability Advocacy Service, Taranaki. ( Ngā Kaitautoko )
Speaker : Julia Kennedy is one of two advocates in Taranaki. Julia was born in Eltham but had spent some time in London. She had been a nurse.
It was, she said, the “Cartwright Inquiry” in 1988 that had been a watershed in patients’ rights and in moving the balance of power between providers and consumers ( not just in New Zealand but worldwide ). This had been followed by the Health & Disability Commission Act of 1994 that had set out a code of ten consumers’ rights aiming to promote and to protect the rights of consumers with the effective resolution of complaints. “Think advocacy!” However, it was not about entitlement to access to services or to funding.
Consumers have rights and providers have duties. It is OK for a consumer to complain if there is due cause. Significant issues that were highlighted were the need for good communication, the provision of clear information and the obtaining of informed patient consent.
The organisation is “resolution-based” with the aim of improving services and of protecting the public. It supports consumers in breaches of their rights. Face-to-face meetings are held if required. 93% of cases are resolved without having to be referred to the Commissioner.
The service is a not-for-profit organisation that is independent and that makes no charges.
The Health and Disability Commissioner ( HDC ) is a New Zealand Crown entity responsible for promoting and protecting the rights of health and disability services consumers, and of facilitating the fair, simple, speedy, and efficient resolution of complaints. More information on the advocacy service can be found on the HDC website.
Thanks : Sally thanked Julia for her enthusiastic presentation that had opened eyes.
Other Matters :
Social Evening at Judy’s on Monday, 1st May. Jan thanked Judy for hosting the evening.
House of Science : Sally had visited St. Joseph’s School, Opunake to pick up a “Bee Kit”.
The particular kit had been sponsored by the Ngāmotu Club. The school was very appreciative and wished that it had had been able to have the kit for four weeks rather than just two.
President Jan :
Working Bee at the Flats that morning. Jan thanked Geoff Harding, Ian Smiley, John Pitman and Des Fredrich for their work that morning at the Flats. A fence adjoining a neighbour had been replaced.
Cape Egmont Half Marathon. Sunday, 16th July - Jan reported that volunteers were required. Let Jan know if you are available to assist.
Jan reported that “Shelter Box” was looking to provide kits for Ukraine – the request would be referred to the Directors for consideration.
Parting Thought : Stephen Bovett :
“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to what it was. Experience is what causes a person to make new mistakes instead of old ones.”
