Privacy at Cabrini

About Us
What information does Cabrini collect about me?

When you become a patient at Cabrini a record is made containing information such as your name, address, contact details, general practitioner (GP), the nature of the problem you are seeking treatment, investigations, and advice you were given. Every time you attend Cabrini as in inpatient or for healthcare services, new information is added to your record.

Why is information collected?

Cabrini collects health information to ensure that you receive the best possible care and treatment. Your medical history enables us to provide all health professionals involved in your care with up to date information. To help look after your own health we ask that you provide us with accurate and complete information. 

Protecting your privacy

Information about you is stored in a central (acute or rehabilitation) paper medical record, which is kept securely within our Department or at our offsite storage facility. We also keep information about you on our computer system, which is password protected.

We maintain strict policies regarding who has the authority to access your information and all of our staff must abide by the Cabrini confidentiality policy. 

What happens with my information?

When you go home a letter may be sent to your General Practitioner (GP). The letter summarises your time at Cabrini and includes information such as your treatment, medication and any special instructions. If you do not wish this information to be sent to your doctor please let the admission staff or the nurse know as soon as possible. 

Your personal information will be sent to your health fund.

Legislation also requires that certain information about patients who have specific conditions and treatments must be reported to databases or registers maintained by the Department of Health or other health organisations. Patient information recorded on the databases and registers is kept strictly confidential.

The information we collect about you can only be destroyed after a specified time period, all patient records are kept for a minimum of seven years.

We may contact you before you are admitted to;

  • Check pre-admission details
  • To inform you of out-of-pocket expenses 

After you have gone home;

  • Follow up from day procedure centre 12-24 hours post discharge
  • Follow up post delivery discharge
How can I access my information?

If you want more information about your care and treatment speak to the staff involved in your treatment and care.

If you would like a copy of your health information, you will need to either make a written application or complete the Request for Access to Information form and provide a copy of photo identification.

Select the link above to download a pdf copy or contact the Health Information Services department on (03) 9508 1776 if you would like a form posted to you.

Contact
The Privacy Officer
Health Information Services
Cabrini Health
183 Wattletree Road
Malvern VIC 3144

privacy@cabrini.com.au

Requests made on behalf of someone else

An individual can seek access on behalf of someone else if:

(1) that person has a right of access AND

(a) has the authorised them in writing to seek access on their behalf (e.g. a solicitor, family member or friend), OR

(b) is their authorised representative (such as a parent, guardian, or a person holding an enduring power of attorney), OR

(2) the individual is the legal representative of the deceased person who would have had a right of access when alive.

The request must be made in writing and they must provide evidence of their authority to act on the person’s behalf.

How much will it cost?

A fee is charged for this service in accordance with the Health Records Regulations 2002.

In the case of copies of A4 black and white pages, Cabrini will charge:

  • 20 cents per page;
  • Costs in assessing and collecting the health information, $20;
  • Transportation costs if the relevant documents are stored offsite, $10.

Please do not send any money with your application, an invoice will be sent to you.

How long will it take?

Once your application is received you will receive an acknowledgement letter and invoice advising of the fees to be charged (if any), access may be provided within seven days of the payment of the fee or 45 days from the date of the request, whichever is the latter.

Once payment is received arrangements can be made to collect the information or have the information forwarded to you.

How can I get copies of x-rays/scans?

These can be obtained directly from the Medical Imaging Department. You can phone them on 9508 1444 to obtain a request form.

Further information

Downloads
Links

• Office of the Health Services Commissioner - http://www.health.vic.gov.au/hsc/

• Health Records Act 2001 - http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/