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The Commissioner

The main role of the Health and Disability Commissioner is to ensure that the rights of consumers are upheld. This includes making sure that complaints about health or disability services providers are taken care of fairly and efficiently.

Anthony Hill, Health and Disability Commissioner, began his term in July 2010.  Mr Hill is committed to a consumer centred and engaged system, that is integrated in its care, focussed on safety and quality, and which encourages  communication and learning.

Mr Hill came to the HDC after six years as a Deputy Director-General of Health.  During that time he had oversight of the funding and performance of the District Health Boards (then $12b), and a range of health crown entities, including Pharmac, the New Zealand Blood Service, and the HDC.  His regulatory functions included Medsafe, the National Radiation Laboratory, and HealthCert. 

He has in-depth experience of the health and disability sectors, and began his 15-year tenure with the Ministry of Health as Chief Legal Advisor.  Mr Hill has practised law in both private and public sectors.

He holds Bachelors Degrees in Law and Commerce from the University of Canterbury and Master of Laws from the University of Virginia.