Family Focus Medical in North Parramatta
Privacy policy
How we look after your personal and health information.
Based on the practice policy dated 6 January 2025.
Why we collect information
We collect personal and health information to provide healthcare and manage your health. We also use it for related activities such as payments and claims, practice audits, accreditation and staff training.
Consent and access
When you register, you consent to our GPs and staff accessing and using the information needed for your care. Only people who need the information can access it. We seek further consent for other uses unless the law permits or requires them.
Information we collect
- Your name, date of birth, address and contact details
- Medical history, medicines, allergies, immunisations, social and family history, and risk factors
- Medicare details, healthcare identifiers and health fund details
You may deal with us anonymously or under a pseudonym unless that is impractical or the law requires identification.
How we collect information
We collect information when you register, receive care, contact us, make an online booking or use our website and social media. With your consent, this may include electronic prescriptions and My Health Record summaries.
Where it is not practical or reasonable to collect it directly, we may receive information from a guardian, other healthcare providers, hospitals, pathology and imaging services, your health fund, Medicare or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
When we share information
We may share information with healthcare providers and practice service providers who must comply with the Australian Privacy Principles and this policy. We may also share it when authorised or required by law, including mandatory reporting, subpoenas, confidential dispute resolution and establishing, exercising or defending a legal claim.
Information may be shared to help locate a missing person or prevent a serious threat to health or safety where obtaining consent is impractical. Information may also be shared through electronic prescriptions and My Health Record as part of care.
Outside these circumstances, we do not share personal information without consent. We do not share it outside Australia without consent, except in exceptional circumstances permitted by law.
Marketing, research and service improvement
We do not use your personal information for direct marketing without express consent. You may withdraw that consent in writing at any time.
We may use patient information for research and analysis to improve care. De-identified data may be shared to improve population health. It is stored securely in Australia and patients cannot be identified. Tell reception if you do not want your information included.
Keeping information secure
Records may include electronic and visual information. Personal information is stored electronically with encryption and secure passwords. Paperwork is scanned into your secure file and the original is securely shredded. Staff and contractors have confidentiality agreements.
Access and corrections
You may request access to your records or corrections in writing to reception or the practice manager. We aim to respond within 30 days. Access is normally free, except standard charges may apply to legal requests.
We take reasonable steps to keep your information accurate and may ask you to check it. Send correction requests to reception@familyfocusmedical.com.au.
Privacy concerns and complaints
Please write to reception@familyfocusmedical.com.au or Family Focus Medical, 63 Sorrell Street, North Parramatta NSW 2151. You can call (02) 8599 1711. We aim to respond within 30 days and resolve concerns within the practice.
You may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at oaic.gov.au or 1300 363 992. You can also contact the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission on (02) 9219 7444.
Website privacy
Online bookings use HealthEngine. Website analytics and cookies may collect information. See AI and data for the website data location review.
Reviewing this policy
The practice reviews this policy at least yearly. Updates are published on the website and patients are notified in writing of significant changes.