How Austin Health protects your privacy

What information does Austin Health collect about me?

Each patient of any Austin Health service (including offsite services) has a patient record that contains:

•      name and contact details
•      contact details of your local doctor and next-of-kin
•      details about your health and treatment

This record is updated at every attendance and kept for a minimum of seven years after your last attendance.

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How does Austin Health use this information?

• All health care professionals who treat you use this information to make decisions about tests, treatment or other care. If you withhold information, we may be unable to make the most appropriate choices about your care.
• We keep statistics about patients' conditions and treatment to help plan better services, to understand health trends and for research purposes and teaching students and staff. Statistical reports contain no personal identifying information.
• You may be asked, during your stay or afterwards, to join a research project that has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee. If you agree you sign a consent form.
• We are legally required to: present your medical record in court if subpoenaed; provide claimants’ records Workcover or TAC; report notifiable diseases to the Department of Human Services and the Victorian Cancer Registry.
• We also report demographic and statistical information to government funding bodies.

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What laws protect my information?

The Victorian Health Records Act 2001 and Health Services Act 1988 govern how your information is collected, used, stored, disclosed and destroyed. Other state and federal laws support these rules.

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Is my information stored securely?

Patient details are stored securely on our password-protected computer system or on paper files. Only authorised staff may access a patient’s file. All staff agree to a strict ethical code to protect your privacy.

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How is information about me shared?

Austin Health staff share information to provide the best treatment for you. Unless you tell us not to, we also exchange information with external people involved in your care:

•      We contact the local GP you have nominated about your health problems, your treatment and any ongoing medication or health needs.
•      Other health care professionals outside Austin Health may request or provide information relevant to your care needs, including: ambulance and other patient transport services, your specialist, community nurse, local council services, physiotherapist, other hospitals or health care workers.
•      We tell your friends and relatives where you are and your general condition, if they call or visit. We only discuss your specific treatment with your next of kin or other people you have authorised.
•      We tell ex-service organisations about veteran inpatients so that they may visit veterans or their dependants whilst they are inpatients.
•      Austin Health staff may contact you after you go home to: offer health education information, complete a patient satisfaction survey, ask you to join a research project or for a donation to Austin Health.

If you do not want your information to be shared as described, please ask for a Refusal of Consent to Disclose Information form.

To stop receiving fundraising requests, contact:

    Fundraising Department
    Phone: 03 9496 5753

    fundraising@austin.org.au

If you do not want to be visited by a representative from an ex-service organisation, contact:

    Veteran Liaison
    Phone: 03 9496 2324

    Siobhan.Hodgins@austin.org.au

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Can I see what is in my record?

Under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 1988, you can apply to see your medical record. A fee may apply. You can ask to have changes made if you disagree with its contents.

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Who do I contact for more information?

For general information about your privacy rights, for a copy of our policy, to change your consent or see your record please contact the FOI Officer.

    FOI Officer
    Phone: 03 9496 3103

    foi@austin.org.au

         Postal address:

    FOI Officer
    Health Information Services
    Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital
    Austin Health
    PO Box 5444
    Heidelberg West
    Victoria 3081
    Australia

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Help with interpreting

If you require assistance with interpreting this information, contact Language Services to provide access to an Interpreter.

    Language Services
    Phone: 03 9496 3367

    languageservices@austin.org.au

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For further information

    Department of Human Services - Privacy

    Metropolitan Ambulance Service

    Office of the Health Services Commissioner

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