My Health Information – Frequently Asked Questions

We understand you may have some questions about your health information that is managed by Peninsula Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What information is collected by Peninsula Health?

When you become a patient of Peninsula Health, 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 Peninsula Health, new information is added to your medical record.

In addition to complying with all relevant privacy and confidentiality legislation, Peninsula Health 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 Peninsula Health 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 Peninsula Health 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 Peninsula Health 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
  • Peninsula Health 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 Peninsula Health
  • Peninsula Health 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 Peninsula Health, 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?

Peninsula Health 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 Peninsula Health, 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 Peninsula Health 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 Peninsula Health, please complete the Peninsula Health 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 Peninsula Health 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 Peninsula Health 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.

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 Peninsula Health 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 Peninsula Health medical record?

If you are concerned that your medical records have been inappropriately accessed, please contact Peninsula Health’s Customer Relations Manager and your concerns will be forwarded to the appropriate area for investigation. 

Is my Peninsula Health medical record uploaded to Australia’s My Health Record?

Peninsula Health contributes to Australia’s My Health Record system and is currently uploading discharge summaries, diagnostic imaging reports for consumers over the age of 18 years, pathology, pharmacy medication lists and specialist letters 

If you have a My Health Record these documents will be automatically uploaded, if you do not want this to occur you need to inform us at every attendance.  Please ask us for a Refusal to Release Information to My Health Record form.

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

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