Orbost
Regional Health is committed to compliance with the Information Privacy Principles
of the Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth, amended 2000) and the Health Records Act
2001 (Victoria), which specifies strict security measures to be used to prevent
unauthorised access to patient information. Orbost
Regional Health is required at times to pass on statistical information it collects
about the people who receive services here. The information is generally
used for planning of future services and resources, but sometimes may be for mandatory
reporting of certain diseases, information to courts of law or in an emergency
situation, (if this occurs, you will be advised when the information is released).
Some
patient information will be sent to the Victorian Department of Human Services.
This Department also abides by the information privacy principles. The Department
of Human Services will forward some of this information to the Commonwealth Department
of Health and Aged care for statistical purposes. Personal
health information is stored securely at Orbost Regional Health. We will keep
your health records for a minimum of 7 years after your last visit. Health record
information may be requested in writing, however some limits may apply where particular
circumstances prevent us from releasing information and a small fee applies. You
have the right to correct any information in the record which you believe to be
incorrect, incomplete, out of date or misleading. However, information held on
the health record cannot be removed, though it may be requested that a correcting
statement be added to it. Orbost
Regional Health staff members abide by Codes of Conduct and contractual agreements
to treat information confidentially. Only information relevant to your care
will be shared with other professional health providers, if this is necessary,
and this will only happen when consent has been obtained. You have the right to
refuse sharing of information with other health professionals. Any concerns or
questions about sharing of information may be directed to our staff. In some cases,
people may not be able to give consent because they are legally unable to make
a decision about release of their information. In such cases, we will seek
a decision from the persons representative (usually guardian or family). If
you are not satisfied with the way in which we handle personal information or
deal with concerns, a formal complaint may be made to the Health Services Commissioner
on 03 8601 5222. | 