Westside Medical Services

Privacy Policy

Westside Medical Centre

11 Highfields Circuit, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Tel: (02) 5519 8200 | Fax: (02) 9024 4629
ABN: 28 140 109 182

Reviewed: July 2023 | Review Due: January 2025

Purpose

At Westside Medical Centre, we are committed to protecting the privacy of our patients and safeguarding personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and manage your personal information in line with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

Outcomes

This policy ensures:

Clear communication on how personal information is collected, used, and disclosed
Patients’ rights to access and correct their personal information
Secure handling and storage of personal information
A process for managing privacy breaches
Regular reviews to ensure compliance with current legislation

Legislative Requirements

Our privacy practices align with:

Australian Privacy Principles
Privacy Act 1988
RACGP Standards for General Practices (5th edition)
National General Practice Accreditation Scheme (2017)
Ahpra – Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
Coviu Privacy Policy – telehealth consultations
HotDoc Privacy Policy – online bookings and script requests

Collection of Personal Information

We collect information necessary to provide quality healthcare. This may occur:

When you complete a patient registration form
During consultations with our doctors or nurses
When using our website, Facebook page, or HotDoc online booking system
From other healthcare providers (with your consent or as required by law)
From government or regulatory bodies where necessary

Types of personal information collected include:

Full name, address, contact details, and date of birth
Gender, ethnicity, and Medicare details
Veteran Affairs’, Health Care Card, or private health fund numbers
Billing and payment details
Relevant medical history, family history, allergies, and medications
Information from other health professionals involved in your care
We may also collect non-identifiable information, such as anonymous survey responses or website usage data.

Use and Disclosure of Personal Information

Your personal information is used primarily to provide healthcare, including:

Diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing health management
Communication with other healthcare providers involved in your care
Billing, payments, and health fund claims
Quality assurance, audits, and accreditation
Research and education (with consent or de-identified data)
Meeting legal and regulatory requirements

Storage and Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information through:

Secure electronic record systems
Encryption and access controls for online information
Use of secure platforms such as Healthlink and Medical Objects for electronic referrals
Encryption of data through HotDoc for bookings and Coviu for telehealth

While we strive to keep all data secure, no system is 100% risk-free. Any information sent via the internet is transmitted at your own risk.

We retain information only as long as required by law or for the purpose it was collected. When no longer needed, it will be securely destroyed or de-identified.

Access and Correction

You have the right to access and correct your personal information. Requests must be made in writing to your treating doctor or the Practice Manager. Access will be provided via email or mail, and a fee may apply for administrative costs.

If information is incorrect or incomplete, you may request a Change of Detail form at reception

Access may be refused in limited circumstances, consistent with the Privacy Act 1988

Third-Party and Overseas Disclosure

We may disclose your information:

With your consent
To other healthcare providers involved in your treatment
To government or regulatory bodies, where required by law
To law enforcement agencies, if authorised

We generally do not disclose personal information overseas unless required for healthcare services and only with your consent.

Complaints and Concerns

If you have concerns about how we manage your personal information, please contact us in writing:

Email
pm@westsidemedical.com.au
Mail
Practice Manager, Westside Medical Centre
11 Highfields Circuit, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

We aim to investigate and resolve complaints within 30 days.

Updates to this Privacy Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The most current version will always be available on our website.