PRIVACY POLICY

At Forth Street Speech Pathology we are committed to protecting your privacy & handling your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) & the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

 

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and services provided by Forth Street Speech Pathology. It governs the collection, storage, and use of personal information to ensure privacy is maintained at all times.

What Information We Collect

We collect personal and health information necessary to provide speech pathology services. This includes:

  • - Name, date of birth, and contact details.

  • - Medical history, current health conditions, and treatment history.

  • - Other relevant information such as funding streams and your treating medical team (e.g., GP or specialists).

We collect this information directly from you during our intake process or, with your consent, from other healthcare professionals or family members.

How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

  • - Provide and manage your therapy services.

  • - Communicate with you about appointments and care updates.

  • - Meet our legal and professional obligations.

Your information may be shared with other health professionals involved in your care (with your consent) or as required by law (e.g., to comply with Medicare or NDIS requirements).

 

Information Storage and Security

We store personal information securely, using physical, technical, and administrative safeguards to protect against unauthorised access, use, or disclosure.

  • - Information is stored electronically in secure systems, with hard copies securely destroyed once transferred.

  • - Access to personal information is restricted to authorised personnel on a need-to-know basis.

  • - All staff use strong passwords, and data is backed up regularly to minimise risks.

If a data breach compromises your information, we will notify you promptly in accordance with legal requirements.

 

Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • - Access the personal information we hold about you.

  • - Request corrections if any details are inaccurate.

  • - Withdraw consent for information sharing, where applicable.

To make a request, please contact us directly.

 

Consent and Sharing Information

We will only disclose personal information to:

  • - Other treating professionals (e.g., GPs, specialists).

  • - Family members or support persons (with consent).

  • - Relevant authorities in health emergencies or as required by law.

Written consent may be required for specific disclosures, and we will always discuss this with you beforehand.

 

Breach Response

In the event of a privacy breach, we will:

  • - Contain the breach and assess its impact.

  • - Notify affected individuals and relevant authorities if required.

  • - Take corrective actions to prevent future breaches.

 

Complaints and Feedback

We take privacy concerns seriously. If you have questions or wish to make a complaint about how your information is handled, please contact us. We will investigate promptly and take appropriate action to resolve your concerns.

 

Changes to This Policy

This policy is reviewed annually to ensure compliance with legal requirements and best practices. Any updates will be posted on our website, and we encourage you to review it periodically.

 

For any questions or concerns about your privacy, please contact us.