Protecting Your Privacy:

To ensure your privacy is maintained we have systems and procedures in place to protect it whenever we collect, store, use or disclose your personal information. Confidential information about your health will only be given to another person if this is important for your case or is authorised by law.

What information is collected?

We collect information related to substance use, general health, employment status, living arrangements, care arrangements for your children, previous illness and treatment. We collect most information directly from you during your telephone assessment, your admission, and throughout your stay at Jarrah House. Occasionally we need reports from health professionals that have previously treated you, such as psychiatrists. Generally, they will send us a written report that is included in your Medical records. We will always ask your permission before obtaining reports from your previous health service providers.

Why do we need information?

We need this information to provide you with the best treatment. We need to be aware of your relevant history, especially psychiatric history, to assess whether Jarrah House has the resources to provide you with the best care. If we are unable to receive enough information, we may have to refer you to another service. Your medical record and case discussion by staff ensure that you have effective and comprehensive continuity of care. The provision of information to the agency that is going to treat you guarantees that this care is continued after this discharge.

Who has access to your personal information?

The staff at Jarrah House, including those who are employed under contract as the Medical Officers, will have access to your Medical Record. For Jarrah House to manage your treatment it is important that the staff have the capacity to share your health information within the team. A discharge summary may be sent to your G.P., counsellor or other facility that is going to take over your care after you have been discharged from Jarrah House. Any person who has access to personal health information is legally obliged to keep your health information confidential. Your health information may be used for statistics, teaching or research. On these occassions, your information will not carry any information that identifies you.

Who are we legally required to give information to?

Health professionals are legally required to give information to the following people:

• Department of Health for the notification of some infectious diseases;
• The police if we are aware of a serious crime, or danger to another person;
• A Mental Health professional if you are at serious risk of harming yourself or others;
• The Department of Community Services if there is a risk to a child.

How long is my information kept?

Medical records are required legally to be kept for several years. We will destroy personal information if it is no longer needed, or does not legally need to be kept.

Resolving your concerns

If you believe information about you has not been kept confidential you may make a complaint to the Manager of Jarrah House. The NSW Privacy Committee can investigate complaints about privacy:

Privacy Committee

GPO Box 6

Sydney NSW 2001

Tel: (02) 9228 8199