Share Your Story

Share Your Story

At the heart of our mission is elevating patients’ stories.

For too long, patient experiences have disappeared into silence. A dismissive GP brushes you off, you never go back, and they never learn to do better. A specialist finally listens and takes you seriously, but no one documents what they did differently.

Your story breaks that silence. It tells other patients they are not alone. It shows health professionals what good care looks like and what harm dismissal does. And it builds the evidence base for the reforms New Zealand needs.

Whether you want to share a little or a lot, whether you want your story published or to just share it with someone who cares, I’m grateful for you.

Submit your story
Step 1 — Your story type
You don’t have to share any personal details if you don’t want to!
Gender
Ethnicity
e.g. endometriosis, fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, CRPS, ME/CFS or leave blank if undiagnosed
Step 3 — Your story. What kind of health professional was this?
How long has you been experiencing pain before this encounter?
What did you tell them? Had you brought records, test results, a pain diary? What were you hoping for?
Use their actual words if you can remember them. What specifically made the difference?
Think beyond treatment — how did it affect how you felt about yourself, the healthcare system, your relationships?
Anything that doesn’t fit above: what you wish had happened differently, what helped you cope, what you’d tell someone in the same situation.
Step 4 — If your story is published on the site, how would you like to appear?
Step 5 — Accuracy (Required)
Consent
Can we contact you?