THE CARTWRIGHT REPORT 10 YEARS ON - THE OBLIGATIONS AND RIGHTS OF HEALTH CONSUMERS AND PROVIDERS

It is ten years since the Cartwright report was published, three years since the code of health and disability services consumers' rights wa s promulgated and two years since the code came into force which makes it due for review next year. This paper reviews the issues identified by Cartwright and the effect that her investigation into the ''Unfort unate Experiment'' has had on the provision of health services. Issues of clinical freedom, peer supervision and informed consent are discus sed in relation to the Health and Disability Commissioner Act, the Pri vacy Act and concepts of partnership in health care. Some comments on the present state of the relationships between consumers and providers in the health system are included.