PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY

Who has access to my medical record?
All medical centre staff members are required to maintain patient confidentiality when handling and disclosing patient information. The medical records of patients attending the Westgate Health Co-op’s either at Vernon Street, South Kingsville or Home Road, Newport are securely transferred and stored at these sites.

Your treating doctor and other current health service providers may be provided with information if it is required for your ongoing care.  If you do not want this information given to other healthcare providers please notify us by writing to: Chief Executive Officer, Westgate Health Co-Operative Ltd, PO Box 11, Altona North, 3025.

Will I be contacted after I leave Westgate Health Co-Operative Ltd?
A staff member may contact you following a visit to the surgery regarding results or recalls.  The doctor may initiate the phone call themselves or refer to a nurse or receptionist to follow up. You may also be contacted each year to remind you of your membership renewal. At times we may seek your opinion on our services.  Mostly, these surveys, which are voluntary and confidential, are conducted while you are in the surgery, however you may be contacted. Should you not wish to be contacted please advise us. 

How do I access my medical information?
Any questions you have in relation to your medical record can be discussed with your doctor at the time of your consultation. If the issue is complicated, or if you require a report, or access to your medical history through Freedom of Information, you should write, stating your requirements to

Your current doctor,

Westgate Health Co-Operative Ltd

PO Box 11

Altona North  3025

What happens to the information collected about me at Westgate Health Co-Operative Ltd?
When you become a patient at Westgate Health Co-Operative a medical record is made containing your personal and health information. It is important that the details in your medical record are accurate.  Please advise us of any need to update your information. The clinic will sometimes handout update sheets upon your arrival. 

This will also ensure that we keep up to date records. This information is collected and documented so that each healthcare professional who is involved in your care can provide you with appropriate and safe treatment. Information may also be used by the clinic for research, planning, teaching and evaluating the healthcare services we provide to our patients as well as our compliance with the National Co-Operative’s Law (2013).