Patient Confidentiality/Privacy

  • No information shall be collected at Tarneit Central Medical Centre without patient written or implied consent.
  • Tarneit Central Medical Centre complies with the Health Privacy Principles and National Privacy Principles as set out in the Health Records Act (Victoria 2001) and The Privacy Act (Commonwealth 1988)
  • All patient information collected shall be used to provide a comprehensive approach to patient care.
  • Information will be collected in a manner that ensures protection of privacy and confidentiality.
  • Please advise us if your details alter so that our information is accurate and up to date.
  • No information that identifies the patient will be released to third parties without consent.
  • There may be circumstances where the doctor will be obliged to release details of a patient’s personal health information without their express consent- this may be the case if the situation was an extreme emergency, or if legally compelled  to do so.
  • Tarneit Central Medical Centre operates a fully computerised medical records system. All doctors and employees have individual passwords to allow access. Information is backed up daily and passwords changed regularly.
  • Administrative staff with access to your personal health information have signed confidentiality agreements.
  • Some medical information is downloaded directly into your medical record eg pathology results. These are encrypted to ensure confidentiality.
  • When patients move to another medical practice, we will support continuity of care by preparing a relevant summary of your medical records. When we receive a form signed by you authorising transfer of medical information, we will mail this summary to your new GP.