Health NZ violated the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights by circumcising a man without consent during a telehealth appointment.

Health NZ breached the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights when a man, suffering from balanitis xerotica obliterans, was circumcised without his consent. Despite being informed about the possibility of circumcision during a telehealth appointment, the man explicitly stated he did not consent to a full circumcision. The Health and Disability Commissioner found inadequate information was provided to the patient, lack of clarity about the extent of the procedure, and ineffective communication processes. Health NZ has since made changes to its consent processes and the commissioner recommended a formal written apology to the man.

August 12, 2024
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