Protecting Your Privacy

What happens to the information collected about me at the Eye & Ear Hospital?

When you become a patient at The Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital 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.

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 Hospital for research, funding, planning, teaching and evaluating the healthcare services we provide to our patients.

Research projects are conducted in the Hospital with the approval of relevant research committees, which comply with strict ethical and privacy guidelines.

Who has access to my medical record? 

All Hospital staff members are required to maintain patient confidentiality when handling and disclosing patient information. The medical records of patients attending the Eye & Ear Hospital's satellite services at Maroondah Hospital, Broadmeadows Health Service and Taralye 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: Privacy Officer, The Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital, Locked Bag 8, East Melbourne 8002.

How do you protect my personal information?

General enquiries from patients, friends and relatives relating to appointment times, admission and discharge dates, and a patient's general condition, will be answered by Hospital staff. If you do not want information of this type released please notify us by writing to: Privacy Officer, The Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital, Locked Bag 8, East Melbourne 8002. Requests by third parties for any other information contained in your medical record require your consent. Should the Hospital be required by law to release information from your medical record, such a release would be conducted through the office of the Executive Director of Clinical Services.

Are students involved in my visit to the Eye & Ear Hospital?

The Eye & Ear Hospital is a research and teaching hospital and as such students participate in some aspects of the Hospital. Please advise your doctor or other health professional if you do not wish to be examined by students.

Will I be contacted after I leave the Eye & Ear Hospital?

A staff member may contact you following your discharge from the Eye & Ear Hospital to ensure you are managing your care at home. This is part of normal patient care. At times, the Hospital and the Department of Human Services conducts surveys and questionnaires seeking your opinion on our services. Mostly, these surveys, which are voluntary and confidential, are conducted while you are in hospital. However, on occasions you may be contacted at home. If you don't want to be contacted for surveys please notify us by writing to: Privacy Officer, The Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital, Locked Bag 8, East Melbourne 8002.

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:
Medical Administration
The Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital
Locked Bag 8
East Melbourne 8002

What about fundraising?

In order to provide better facilities and equipment for our patients, the Hospital conducts fundraising activities. If you do not wish to receive any promotional material please contact our Communications department on (03) 9929 8532 or via Email, info@eyeandear.org.au.

Who do I contact if I have a privacy complaint or comment?

Contact our Patient Representative. Telephone: (03) 9929 8225 Email: info@eyeandear.org.au Postal address: Patient Representative, The Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital, Locked Bag 8, East Melbourne 8002

How do I contact your Privacy Officer?

Telephone: (03) 9929 8570 Email: info@eyeandear.org.au Postal address: Privacy Officer, The Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital, Locked Bag 8 East Melbourne 8002

Publication date: December 2002
Due for review:    December 2004*

*No responsibility is taken for the accuracy of information in this edition if it is distributed after the review date of December 2004.

Privacy Policy

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