In accordance with our values we respect the individual worth and dignity of all people, and St Bartholomew's House is committed to achievement of best practice in adhering to the Privacy Amendment (Privacy Sector) Act 2000 and the ten National Privacy Principles.
Organisations that provide aged, crisis and supported accommodation are in a special position of trust in providing personal, intimate, social and/or medical care to residents and consumers in hostels or in their home. This is a special position of trust, and the right to privacy is regarded as a fundamental ethic in our organisation.
St Bartholomew's House Inc. (the House) was established in 1963 to provide for the care, maintenance, welfare and integration with the wider society of homeless men in accordance with the Christian faith as taught by the Anglican Church of Australia.
A Council of 10 members is responsible for the Governance of the organisation.
The House provides stable, supportive and safe environments for people at risk of homelessness and to assist them to live independently in the wider community.
Personal Information Covered by the Amended Privacy Act
What information is covered by the new provisions?
The Act covers personal information. It has special protection for personal information that is sensitive information. The Privacy Act only applies to information that is recorded in some form, which can include information stored in an electronic record.
What is Personal Information?
Personal information is information or an opinion that can identify a person.
What is Sensitive Information?
Sensitive Information is information about an individual's racial or ethic origin, political opinions, membership of a political association, religious beliefs or affiliations, philosophical beliefs, membership of a professions or trade association, membership of a trade union, sexual preferences or practices, criminal record, or health information.
What is Health Information?
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information or an opinion about: |
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the health or disability (at any time) of an individual; or |
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an individual's expressed wishes about the future provision of Health Services to him/her; or |
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a Health Service provided, or to be provided to an individual; |
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other Personal Information collected to provide or in providing a Health Service; or |
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other Personal Information about an individual collected in connection with a donation, or intended donation, by the individual of his or her body parts, organs or body substances." |
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Why do we Collect Your Information?
We collect your information because your information is necessary for us to be able to provide a health service to you.
How do we Collect Your Information?
So we can provide a health service to you we collect information directly from you and from others. As well as from yourself, we may collect information from your family members, your doctor, your nurse, the ACAT team, the hospital, allied health professionals, and others who have information relevant to our ability to provide a quality health service to you.
The purpose of collecting your information from a wide range of persons and organisations it to assist us to provide a health service to you that is relevant to your needs.
How do we Use Your Information?
We use your information to assist and guide us in providing health services to you. It is normal for us to disclose and share your Sensitive Information with others, such as an admitting hospital, the ambulance, pharmacist, and your attending health professions. We do this within the professional code of conduct framework.
It is also normal for us to share your Personal Information, to a degree, with your family members and representatives. This is an important element of your Privacy for us because we are very mindful that we are providing a health service to you in your home, be it in Residential or Community Care, and personal and professional relationships are fundamental to success in our working environment.
When we do share your information it is for the purpose of assisting us to provide a health service to you that is relevant to your needs. If you do not wish us to provide your information to your representatives, please inform us. Our basic philosophy it that we treat your Personal Information with the same respect that we would like to see our own Personal Information treated.
When do we ask you for Your Consent to Collect and Use Your Sensitive Information?
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We do not ask for your Consent if we are providing a Health Service to you. |
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We do ask for your consent if we are providing services that are not health related. |
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An example of this would be asking you to allow your information to be kept on a data base as part of the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (Appleton Hostels) or other accommodation data bases. You would be asked to sign a consent form as part of your resident's agreement. |
Our Policy Regarding Commercial Marketing
St Bartholomew's House Inc. has a policy that prohibits any use of our Resident and Client information for any third party commercial marketing uses.
Quality Information
It is our job to keep your Personal Information relevant, accurate, complete, and up-to-date. Therefore we do rely on you to assist us. We would ask that you always inform us when there are changes to your Sensitive Information. You can do this by contacting our Co-ordinator, here at our facility.
It is also our job to make sure your Personal Information is secure, and not used in an incorrect way. We have confidentiality rules for our staff, contractors and third party organisations. When we no longer require your Personal Information, we destroy it, under the terms of existing legislation.
How Can I Access my Personal Information You Hold?
If you want to look at and check your Personal Information, please advise our Chief Executive Officer. We will endeavour to provide this information to you promptly, and we will provide you with suitable accommodation when looking at your information. However, if the request for Personal Information is frivolous or vexatious, we may deny your request.
Commonwealth Identifiers
Commonwealth identifiers are numbers such as your Medicare number of your Tax File Number (TFN). We use those numbers only when it is necessary for providing and arranging health services for you.
Anonymity
When we take on the responsibility of providing care to you, it is necessary to identify you. However, if you were making a general enquiry about our services for instance, we would offer you the opportunity to do this anonymously.
Sending Your Personal Information Overseas
We would not send your Personal Information overseas unless it is necessary and authorised by law.
Personal Information, Sensitive Information and Health Information
The only time we collect, use or disclose your Personal Information, Sensitive Information and Health Information is when it is necessary to provide a health service to you, when it is allowed by law, or when you have given us your consent.
If Your Are Not Happy
If you believe that St Bartholomew's House Inc. has not acted in accordance with this Privacy Policy, or the consent you have given us, you may lodge a complaint with the Chief Executive Officer in person, by phone, fax, e-mail or in writing. We will endeavour to quickly and courteously resolve any complaint you may wish to make.
It You Are Not Satisfied with the Internal Complaints Process
If you believe that St Bartholomew's House Inc. has not satisfactorily resolved your complaint, you can refer your complaint to the Federal Privacy Commissioner by:
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Phone 1300 363 992 |
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Chief Executive Officer of Complaints |
We will tell you if we are obliged by law to collect the information. We will tell you what the consequences may be (if any) if you do not provide information we ask for.