Accessing your Health Information held at Sydney Local Health District

Patients/clients have a legally enforceable right to be given access to the information held about them by a health facility. They are also able to give consent to an authorised representative or a third party to access their personal health information on their behalf.

Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) is governed by the Health Records Information and Privacy Act 2002 (HRIP Act) which outlines the provisions for patient/client access to their personal health information. The HRIP Act is a privacy law designed to provide individuals with greater knowledge and control over their information. SLHD generally processes applications for personal health information under the HRIP Act rather than the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA). However, the GIPA may be used in exceptional circumstances.

SLHD has procedures in place for access to health information under the HRIP Act. Patients/clients must be aware of the following information:

• Applications must be made in writing, preferably on the SLHD Application to Access Personal Health Information form
• Appropriate identification of the patient/client (and applicant, if applicable) must be provided
• Additional consent and documents of proof of relationship may be required
• A fee, in accordance with the NSW Policy Directive Health Records and Medical/Clinical Reports Charging Policy (PD2006_050), will be charged
• SLHD aims to process applications within 21 working days of receipt of the application, on the condition that the required information and fees have been received. While we strive to complete your application as soon as practicable, sometimes unavoidable situations may cause a delay. If it is an urgent request, please contact the relevant facility to discuss expediting your request.
• Applications will be processed in accordance with the relevant legislation
  
  

Where access is granted, it can be provided in the following manner:

• A copy of the health record in electronic or paper form.
• Direct access by viewing of the health record on the health service's premises under the supervision of a health care professional or health information manager. Any electronic information must be printed. Applicants do not have the authority to access the electronic medical record (eMR). Bookings are essential
• Access by viewing a copy of the health record in the presence of an external health practitioner or health information manager agreed upon by the patient/client and the health service.
  
  

Access to your personal information may be declined in special circumstances, such as where giving access would cause you or another person risk of harm.

My Health Record

If you wish to access the information contained in your My Health Record, you can access your record online using your myGov account. For further information about My Health Record, visit: https://www.myhealthrecord.gov.au/

Amending Personal Health Information

To assist SLHD in maintaining accurate health records, we would appreciate if you could advise your health care provider, relevant administrative staff or the relevant facility Clinical Information Department/Medical Records Department of any changes that are required on your records such as: a change of name, address, contact details, or GP's details.

If you think your health information held by SLHD is incorrect, you can request to correct it. You will need to let your health care provider or the relevant facility Clinical Information Department/Medical Records Department know in writing and attach any evidence supporting your claim. The corrective action may be taken and you will be informed of the outcome which may include correction of the error or addition of a notation to your health record.

Applications

• SLHD Application to Access Personal Health Information (under the Health Records and Privacy Act 2002 - HRIP Act)
• GIPA Access Application for Personal Health Information (under the Government Information (Public Access Act) 2009 - GIPA Act)

Privacy

For information regarding SLHD's privacy obligations and how we protect your personal health information, refer to the SLHD Privacy Information Privacy webpage.

Enquiries

For further information regarding how to access or request amendments to your personal health information, contact the Clinical Information Department/Medical Record Department at the respective facility or via the relevant Community Health Information Manager

Hospitals