Chaperones / Interpreters

Chaperones

All patients have a right to a chaperone with them for any appointment. This is your right and is ratified by Right 8, 'Right to Support', of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights 1996. This states: 'Every consumer has the right to have one or more support persons of his or her choice present, except where safety may be compromised or another consumer's rights may be unreasonably infringed.'

The chaperone can be a family member, friend or member of staff.  If you would like a member of staff to accompany you, please let the receptionist know when you arrive for your appointment. However, you may request a chaperone at any stage of your consultation, please feel free to ask the doctor or nurse (they will not take offence at your request!).

 

Interpreters

We strive to communicate effectively with all our patients. As well as being essential for good medicine, this is also enshrined in Right 5, ‘Right to Effective Communication‘, of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights 1996.

1) Every consumer has the right to effective communication in a form, language, and manner that enables the consumer to understand the information provided. Where necessary and reasonably practicable, this includes the right to a competent interpreter.

2) Every consumer has the right to an environment that enables both consumer and provider to communicate openly, honestly, and effectively.

All registered patients at City GPs can have an Interpreter provided free of charge thanks to our PHO (Tū Ora Compass). Depending on the need and urgency, the interpreters can be via the telephone or be present at the consultation. Either way they they need to be booked in advance.  Please discuss your need with our receptionists who will be pleased to assist.

Using interpreting services ensures that patients who do not have English as a first language, or for people who are deaf, are not disadvantaged in seeking appropriate healthcare due to language barriers. While people may be able to communicate in English they may find it difficult when the conversation includes more technical or medical specific words.

Using a family member or friend to interpret is not recommended. This may embarrass both you and/or your family member and may create barriers to good medicine.  Important information also may be missed or not understood fully. A trained interpreter interprets everything you say to your patient and has a degree of removal from your personal life.