Accessing your information
You have a right to access (subject to some limited exceptions) all personal health information including your own health records held by any organisation that provides a health service to you.
Your personal information is protected by the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (PPIP Act). You can apply for access to your personal information under the PRIP Act 1998, Information Protection Principle 7.
For further information, refer to the NSW Health Privacy leaflet.
When applying for access to your health information, your request must:
be in writing or by filling out a
File
Southern NSW LHD - Application for release of health information form (PDF 371.9KB)specify how you would like to access the health information; for example, if you want a copy or just want to view the information at the health service’s offices.
provide the name of the person you authorise to access your health information on your behalf.
The health service organisation must write to you with its decision to provide access within 28 calendar days from receiving your request.
A fee of $33 will be charged for a physical copy of your health information. Additional charges may apply if your health information records are large.
Health information requests should be directed to each individual hospital:
| Hospital | |
|---|---|
| Queanbeyan District Hospital | SNSWLHD-QueanbeyanHID@health.nsw.gov.au |
| Goulburn Hospital | SNSWLHD-Goulburn-HID@health.nsw.gov.au |
| Moruya and Batemans Bay Hospitals | SNSWLHD-Eurobodalla-HID@health.nsw.gov.au |
| South East Regional Hospital | SNSWLHD-SERH-HID@health.nsw.gov.au |
| Cooma Hospital | SNSWLHD-Cooma-HID@health.nsw.gov.au |
| Yass Hospital | SNSWLHD-Yass-Admin@health.nsw.gov.au |
| Crookwell Hospital | SNSWLHD-Crookwell-adminhealth@health.nsw.gov.au |
Requests for access to personal health information can be declined if it:
poses a serious threat to life and/or the health of an individual or place a child at risk.
will have an unreasonable impact on the privacy of other individuals.
relates to existing or anticipated legal proceedings and you would not be able to access this information through court processes.
would be unlawful; or denying access is required or authorised by another law.
is a repeated request and has been reasonably declined previously, or the information has already been provided.
would prejudice an investigation of possible unlawful activity or prejudice a law enforcement agency’s function.
If you are not happy with our response regarding the request for information service provided, you can either contact:
our Southern NSW LHD Privacy Officer or contact us with your concerns relating to your health information request. Be advised you have 6 months to contact us when you become aware of the situation.
the NSW Privacy Commissioner if:
you are not happy with the response from the health service provider.
you believe the organisation is charging you too much.
the organisation does not respond to you within 28 calendar days of your request.
Privacy of patient information
We are committed to safeguarding the privacy of patient information and have measures in place to comply with our obligations under the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (HRIPA) and the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998.
All staff members working in the NSW public health system, including doctors, nurses, and other staff are bound by law, the NSW Health Privacy Policy, and a strict code of conduct to maintain confidentiality of patient information.
Refer to the Privacy Leaflet for Patients for information about how we manage your personal health information. This leaflet can be read in other languages on the Multicultural Health Communication Service website.
Key contacts
If you have a general privacy enquiry or complaint, contact our Privacy Officer at:
Privacy Officer
Southern NSW Local Health District
Peppertree Cottage
PO Box 1845
Queanbeyan NSW 2620
Email: SNSWLHD-Privacy@health.nsw.gov.au
For further information about privacy inquiries or complaints refer to: