We understand you may have some questions about your health information that is managed by Bayside Health Peninsula.
Frequently Asked Questions
What information is collected by Bayside Health Peninsula?
When you become a patient of Bayside Health Peninsula, a medical record is created. This includes information such as your name, address and contact details, as well as information about your health problems and the treatment you received. We also request that you provide us with the contact details of your next of kin and your general Practitioner (GP). Every time you attend or have contact with Bayside Health Peninsula, new information is added to your medical record.
In addition to complying with all relevant privacy and confidentiality legislation, Bayside Health Peninsula has strict policies and protocols with respect to the collection, use, disclosure and storage of patient information.
We have taken measures to ensure that paper records and information stored electronically on our computer systems are stored securely. Only authorised personnel have access to your information.
Does Bayside Health Peninsula share the information it collects about me?
Maintaining your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal and health information is important to us. Your medical history, treatment and any information provided to Bayside Health Peninsula is treated with the utmost confidentiality.
We cannot use or forward information about you to anyone unless you agree, or unless it is permitted by law. Read more about what happens to your personal information.
Who might contact me after my treatment?
There may be circumstances where a Bayside Health Peninsula employee or authorised representative contacts you after you have completed your treatment with us. For example, a::
- Member of your health care team to follow up your condition or treatment
- Bayside Health Peninsula researcher, to invite you to participate in an important research project, or to seek your feedback about your experience as a patient or client of Bayside Health Peninsula
- Bayside Health Peninsula may disclose your information to other service providers including your General Practitioner (GP) and other health care and community support providers, if this is necessary for your further treatment.
- During your contact with Bayside Health Peninsula, you will be asked to confirm the name of your GP or the medical clinic you attend. If you choose not to identify a GP, we may be unable to disclose information relating to your ongoing care. If you do not wish for your health information to be provided to your GP or other health care providers please let us know.
- Philanthropy team (you will be given the opportunity to opt out from being contacted)
Can other health practitioners access information about me?
Bayside Health Peninsula may disclose your information to other service providers including your General Practitioner (GP) and other health care and community support providers, if this is necessary for your further treatment.
During your contact with Bayside Health Peninsula, you will be asked to confirm the name of your GP or the medical clinic you attend. If you choose not to identify a GP, we may be unable to disclose information relating to your ongoing care. If you do not wish for your health information to be provided to your GP or other health care providers please let us know.
How do I access my Bayside Health Peninsula Medical Record?
Under the Victorian Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act), you have the right to request access to documents held by Victorian public sector agencies, including records held by public hospitals. This right of access is subject to limited exceptions and exemptions. Further information and resources can be found at the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner site.
If you are requesting your own medical records, you should provide proof of your identity, such as a driver’s licence or other identification. If you do not do this, then we may not be able to release the documents you have requested.
If you wish to apply for your medical records that are held by Bayside Health Peninsula, please complete the Bayside Health Peninsula Freedom of Information Application Form. This will to ensure that all of the all of the relevant information is provided to process your request.
Can someone else make a FOI request for my Bayside Health Peninsula medical record?
The hospital must take reasonable steps to be satisfied that the FOI applicant has the “right to access” the medical records. We have a duty to protect the privacy of personal information and health information.
You can authorise another person (e.g. TAC, your solicitor, a family member) to make a request on your behalf. If you want someone to make a request on your behalf, you must give them your written authorisation for Bayside Health Peninsula to release your information to them.
If the Applicant is NOT the patient and the patient is:
Over 18 years of age
It is preferable for the patient to apply for access to their own medical record. If this is not possible written authority from the patient will be required. Where the patient is not able to provide authority we require evidence that you have the “right to access” the information e.g. Enduring Power of Attorney, Medical Treatment Decision Maker Appointment or Guardianship document.
16 – 18 years of age
It is preferable for the patient to apply for access to their own medical record.
In recognition of a young person’s evolving competence and right to privacy, Bayside Health Peninsula’s policy is to obtain consent from the young person. Where the patient is not able to provide consent we require evidence that you have the “right to access” the information.
Under 16 years of age
We require evidence that you have the “right to access” the information e.g. a copy of the child’s birth certificate identifying you as the parent or Guardianship documents.
Deceased
We require evidence that you are the next of kin (i.e. a copy of the death certificate) or written authority from the next of kin along with evidence that they are the next of kin. Alternatively, evidence that you have a right to access the information requested.
How do I request an amendment to my Medical Record?
If a Bayside Health Peninsula document is released to you and you believe that it contains information that is inaccurate, incomplete, out of date or would give a misleading impression, you are entitled to request a correction or amendment under Section 39 of the Freedom of Information Act 1983 (Vic).
Further information and resources can be found at the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner site.
What do I do if I am concerned about the inappropriate access of my Bayside Health Peninsula medical record?
If you are concerned that your medical records have been inappropriately accessed, please contact Bayside Health Peninsula’s Customer Relations Manager and your concerns will be forwarded to the appropriate area for investigation.
Is my Bayside Health Peninsula medical record uploaded to Australia’s My Health Record?
What is a My Health Record?
My Health Record is an online summary of your key health information. When you have a My Health Record, your health information can be viewed securely online, from anywhere, at any time – even if you move or travel interstate. You can access your health information from any computer or device that is connected to the internet. You have a log in and password to access your My Health Record and you control which health care organisations and doctors can view your health information.
More information regarding My Health Record can be found at digitalhealth.gov.au
- If you need an interpreter, please call TIS National on 131 450.
- For hearing or speech assistance, contact the National Relay Service (NRS) or call 1300 555 727.
- If you have any questions or require further information please call 1800 723 471 or visit www.myhealthrecord.gov.au