Health code celebrates 14 years | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights had it's 14th anniversary yesterday.
The code was set up in 1996 after the health and disability commissioner's act was passed in Parliament in 1994 and a commissioner was appointed to draft the code.
Betty Knott is the Wairarapa representative for the nationwide health and disability advocacy services and yesterday she set up a display in the foyer of Wairarapa hospital in Masterton to raise awareness of the code.
New Zealand is the only country with a code of rights of this kind and the other 47 advocates also set up displays in their towns.
''It's about not letting people forget they have rights when receiving health and disability services,'' Mrs Knott said.
The role of the health and disability commissioner is to provide information, set up meetings and give people options to decide how they want to solve any issues.
Mrs Knott has been an advocate for 10 years, making presentations and teaching advocacy.