Patients’ privacy – Storage and use of personal information

Information about patients is stored in a medical record paper file and electronically in the Area Health Service’s computer system. This may include information about usage of drugs and alcohol, episodes of mental health, incidence of domestic violence etc. The electronic information is linked throughout all the Area Health Service’s facilities. All reasonable steps are taken to ensure the information collected about you is stored securely. The Area Health Services are required by law to maintain medical records for certain periods of time.In accordance with the HRIP Act, appropriate systems and policies are in place to protect your information from loss, unauthorised access and misuse.If you do not wish certain information about you to be collected and recorded, you should tell your treating doctor/clinician and they will discuss with you the consequences this may have for your healthcare.Your clinical information will be used or disclosed by your health care team to provide treatment and ongoing care. In addition, it may be used or disclosed for other related purposes (eg sending you a reminder to attend an appointment); and in ways that would be reasonably expected for your care and wellbeing.This may include, for example, the transfer of information to your GP, to another treating health service or hospital, referral to a health professional, pathology tests, X-rays and so on.Your personal health information may also be used or disclosed for the following other related purposes:To provide certain information to State or Commonwealth government agencies to comply with certain laws (eg reporting notifiable diseases and births and deaths) or for statutory reporting;To provide your personal information as evidence in court, if subpoenaed;For billing (Medicare, private health funds, Department of Veterans’ Affairs) or for managing legal claims;For purposes related to the operation of the NSW Health service, for example to conduct safety and quality improvement initiatives;In accordance with the statutory guidelines issued under privacy law, for research purposes approved by an Area Health Service Human Research Ethics Committee; for staff and student training purposes; or for planning, financial or management purposes;Where lawful and practical, individuals can request certain sections of their medical record to be withheld from professionals/agencies. If this is the case, speak to your treating health professional or the Clinical Information/Medical Records Department;The health service may use your information to contact you regarding patient/client satisfaction surveys that help us to evaluate and improve its services.It should be noted that when the safety of others is involved, legal regulation overrides the principles of confidentiality. In situations where reports to the Department of Community Services and NSW Police are necessary, the consent of the patient/client is not required.If you have questions or complaints about the privacy of your personal information, please contact your nearest hospital (Bowral Hospital – 4861 0200) or community health centre (Bowral - 4861 8000).