Privacy
HMS Privacy Statement
PROTECTING THE PRIVACY OF YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
In accord with the Privacy Act 1988, all health information collected, used, disclosed and stored at this practice is treated with the highest standards possible to make sure that your privacy is maintained.
WHAT INFORMATION IS COLLECTED
Only necessary information for the undertaking of functions and activities relating to the services we offer is collected.
WHY WE COLLECT HEALTH INFORMATION
We collect information to better manage your health issues and comply with legislative requirements.
HOW WE HANDLE YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION
Our GPs and staff are trained to handle your personal information discreetly and privately. We also engage in a range of security initiatives to protect your information from loss or misuse.
YOU MAY OBTAIN ACCESS TO THE INFORMATION
For further details ask your GP. Usually information is available within 30 days of lodging request. Nominal administrative charges may apply.
ORGANISATIONS OR PERSONS TO WHOM INFORMATION IS USUALLY DISCLOSED
Health providers involved in your treatment and care may receive selected information from your personal health record. These include pathology, hospital, radiology and specialist services.
CONSEQUENCES OF NOT PROVIDING ALL OR PART OF THE INFORMATION REQUESTED
There may be serious repercussions if we do not know who you are, how to contact you or be able to contact you in a timely manner. Withholding personal health information from your GP or others involved in your health care may put your life or health at risk.
If you have questions about how we handle your personal health information or need to arrange access to your records, please talk to your GP or one of our caring practice staff.
Access to our complete Privacy Policy can be found here.
Confidentiality
Harbour Medical Services has implemented the highest standard of protection of patient records (paper and electronic). Only your doctor has full access to your clinical file. Nurses work under the direction of the doctors and do not have full clinical access.
All staff are bound by our Practice and Procedures manual which outlines strict guidelines on patient confidentiality.
All staff sign, as a condition of their engagement, a confidentiality agreement.
All patient electronic data and document file storage areas are also under constant 24x7x365 digital surveillance.
Should you have any concerns regarding patient confidentiality please write in strictest confidence to our Practice Manager.
MANAGEMENT OF YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION
This practice is committed to maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of your personal health information. Your medical record is a confidential document. It is the policy of this practice to maintain security of personal health information at all times and to ensure that this information is only available to authorised members of staff. In some instances you may need a copy of your health records. Please ask Reception Staff for details.