Privacy
Northern Health is committed to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of every individual. The Privacy and Confidentiality Brochure can be found here.
Northern Health is required to comply with the relevant law which ensures personal and health information relating to any individual who has interacted with Northern Health is handled accordingly. Depending on the type of information (personal or health) will impact on which Victorian Legislation would apply. Some examples of the relevant Privacy legislation which Northern Health adheres to are;
- Health Records Act 2001 (VIC)
- Health Services Act 1988 (VIC)
- Freedom of Information Act 1982 (VIC)
- Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (VIC)
- Mental Health Act 2014 (VIC)
Northern Health and the Department of Health collect, share and disclose information via a secure health information sharing system to allow clinicians to access critical patient health information at the point of care across the Victorian public health system.
The Department of Health and Northern Health collects, uses and discloses your health information in accordance with the Health Services Act 1988 (Vic), Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic) and Health Records Act 2001 (Vic). The Health Services Act 1988 (Vic) includes penalties for misuse and unauthorised disclosure.
Information collected includes your personal information such as your name, date of birth and address, and relevant health information, including treatment you received.
To understand how information is used, please see the CareSync Exchange Privacy Management Framework at t https://www.health.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-06/caresync-exchange-victorian-electronic-patient-health-information-sharing-system-privacy-management-framework.pdf
What information does Northern Health collect?
Information will be collected in a fair, lawful and non-intrusive way, which is necessary for Northern Health to perform its function.
For patients; information would be collected from you, or another person, which would allow Northern Health to provide the appropriate health care/treatment.
How is your information used?
Northern Health will only use or disclose your information if it is for the primary reason it was collected, or a secondary purpose only if you would reasonably expect Northern Health to use or disclose such information. With the exception, that there are laws which mandate Northern Health and its staff to use or disclose your information without your consent.
For any other reason, Northern Health will require your consent before the use or disclosure of your information.
How does Northern Health keep my information secure?
The computer systems and Medical Records which Northern Health use to collect and handle your information is controlled and monitored. All staff do not have the same computer access, it is dependent on their role and what information they are required to have access to. Each staff member has a unique identifier to be able to access computer systems.
Who can access my information?
Health professionals who are involved with your health care, will have access to your information. In some instances it may be necessary for Northern Health to provide your information to your General Practitioner, or another Hospital, or any other health professional who is involved with your health care.
Patients are entitled to request Northern Health to not disclose their information to a specified person/agency. This would need to be discussed with your treating doctor/team at your next appointment/attendance. Although, it may be necessary and mandated by law, that Northern Health and its staff to use or disclose your information without your consent.
How can I access my information?
The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (VIC) “FOI Act” allows access to documents held by a public agency. Northern Health must comply and process all requests for information under the FOI Act. Patients may request a copy of their Medical Record, or if you feel the information is inaccurate, incomplete or out of date request for an amendment under the FOI Act.
For more information please refer to the Freedom of Information page on the Northern Health website or refer to the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner.
Contact Details
If you feel your information has been handled incorrectly, or you wish to find out more information how Northern Health handles your personal information, please do so in writing to;
Privacy Officer
Northern Health
185 Cooper Street
Epping Vic 3076
