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Unknown userMember
Hi all,
Slightly random question. Does anyone know what hospitals' policies are around disclosure of who is there. For instance, could my GP call the local hospital and find out whether or not I was a patient there?
In response to: Confidentiality in hospital
BamBamSenior Contributor
Hi Briar, whenever I am in hospital they have a consent form where you nominate your contacts on the outside world. So I don't think a random stranger or even GP could get much info about you.
In response to: Re: Confidentiality in hospital
CannonSaltSenior Contributor
In response to: Re: Confidentiality in hospital
Unknown userMember
Hi @Briar,
It’s an interesting question for sure, and I don’t think there is definitely a clear-cut answer out there unfortunately. As @CannonSalt mentioned, it might be worthwhile to contact the relevant hospital or have a look on their website as to their policies around disclosure. The laws might differ for public and private hospitals as well, which muddies the waters a little more. And as @BamBam pointed out, the extent to which information is diclosed may depend largely on your consent.
If you want you could contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (1300 363 992) or the privacy regulator in your state and seek their advice. Hope this helps.
All the best,
supernova.
In response to: Confidentiality in hospital
ivanaSenior Contributor
Below link is for Nsw.
This is the privacy laws in theory.In practice i have known of numerous instances of hospitals breaching privacy and giving information to G.P's (or requesting info) without the patient/s permisssion.
It's little wonder that doctors feel confident and fearless to do this,because their are often little or no repurcussions.
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/patients/privacy/Pages/default.aspx
In response to: Confidentiality in hospital
Ali585Senior Contributor
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