At Hanbury Family Practice, we are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Act 2012, and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
This policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information, as well as how you can access or correct it. It also explains how to raise concerns about potential privacy breaches.
We collect only the information necessary to provide you with quality medical care. This may include your name, contact details, date of birth, medical history, family history, and next of kin information.
Where possible, information is collected directly from you during your visit or communication with our team. In some cases, we may obtain information from other healthcare providers such as specialists, hospitals, or pathology services to ensure continuity of care.
In emergencies, we may collect information from family members or other sources if you are unable to provide consent.
We are required by law to securely retain your medical records for a minimum period depending on your age and treatment type.
Your personal information is treated as strictly confidential. We only use or share it when necessary for your ongoing medical care, such as with specialists, pathology services, or radiology providers.
In some cases, we may be required or permitted by law to share information with external entities such as Medicare, insurers, law enforcement, or regulatory authorities.
Any contractors (e.g., IT providers or legal advisors) engaged by our practice must comply with strict confidentiality and data protection agreements.
You have the right to request access to your medical records. Requests should be made in writing, and we will respond within a reasonable timeframe.
If access is denied due to legal or safety reasons, we will inform you of the reasons and your available options.
If you believe your information is inaccurate or outdated, please contact us in writing to request an update.
We take all reasonable measures to ensure your personal information is accurate, complete, and secure.
Your data is stored in secure electronic systems protected by passwords, access levels, and encryption. Our premises are also secured with monitored alarm systems after hours.
All staff members have signed confidentiality agreements and undergo training to uphold strict privacy standards.
If you have concerns about how your information has been handled, please contact our Practice Manager in writing.
We will investigate your complaint promptly and respond according to our internal procedures.
If you remain dissatisfied, you may escalate the matter to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) or your State Privacy Commissioner.
We do not transfer personal information outside Australia unless required by law or with your explicit consent.
