Privacy Policy

Current as of: December 2025

This privacy policy is to provide information to you, our patient on how your personal information (which includes your health information) is collected and used within our practice, and the circumstances in which we may share it with third parties.

1. Contacting Us

For enquiries about this policy, you can contact:
Practice Manager
manager@blackwoodclinic.com.au
(08) 8278 66 66
23 Coromandel Parade, Blackwood SA 5051

2. Consent

When you register as a patient at Blackwood Clinic, you consent to our GPs and staff accessing and using your personal information to provide healthcare services. If we need to use your information for any purpose not outlined in this policy, we will seek your additional consent.

3. Why We Collect, Use, Store, and Share Information

We collect and use your personal information to:
Provide safe, high-quality healthcare
Manage your medical records, billing, and payments
Participate in quality improvement activities, audits, and accreditation
Train staff to maintain high service standards

We may also share your information when required by law, in emergencies, or with your consent.

4. What Information We Collect

We may collect:

Your name, date of birth, address, and contact details
Medical history, medications, allergies, immunisations, family/social history, risk factors
Medicare & DVA details.
Healthcare identifiers
Medical images, pathology results, diagnostic information

Definition of a Patient Health Record

A patient health record includes any documentation, electronic or physical, that contains identifiable health information about an individual. This may include medical history, diagnoses, treatment plans, prescriptions, test results, and other information relevant to healthcare provision.

5. Dealing with Us Anonymously

You may choose to remain anonymous or use a pseudonym unless it is impractical (e.g., for medical treatment) or required by law.

6. How Information is Collected

Through patient registration forms, online bookings, phone calls, SMS, email, or social media
During consultations and treatments
From other providers such as specialists, hospitals, pathology, imaging services, Medicare or your health fund
Via electronic prescribing and My Health Record, if you use these services

7. Sharing Your Information

We may share information:

With other healthcare providers involved in your care
With third parties for business purposes (e.g., IT providers, accreditation bodies) – under strict confidentiality and APP compliance
When legally required (e.g., court subpoenas, notifiable diseases)
To reduce or prevent a serious threat to health or safety

We do not send personal information overseas unless essential and with your consent.

Document Automation Technologies

Our practice uses document automation software to generate referral letters and clinical documents. This technology ensures only relevant medical information is included, maintaining patient confidentiality and compliance with privacy standards.

8. Marketing

We will never use your personal information for marketing without your express written consent. You can opt out at any time.

9. Use for Research and Service Improvement

We may use de-identified data for quality improvement, training, or public health reporting. You may decline to have your de-identified data included by informing reception.
If identifiable data is required for research, your specific consent will be obtained before participation.

Audio/Visual Recording of Consultations

Before any real-time audio or visual recording of a consultation—whether in-person, via telehealth, or conducted remotely—the practice will obtain informed consent from the patient. This consent covers recording, duplication, and storage of the consultation. Blackwood Clinic does not record consults telehealth or audio-visual consultations unless explicitly consented by the patient.

10. Storage and Protection

Your information is stored securely in:

Electronic medical records (protected by passwords, firewalls, and user-level access)
Medical images and audio records where relevant
All staff and contractors sign confidentiality agreements and undertake privacy training.

11. Access and Correction

You may request access to or correction of your personal information by contacting the Practice Manager:

manager@blackwoodclinic.com.au
08 82786666
We will respond within 30 days. A reasonable fee may apply for producing copies of records, but there is no charge for making a request.

12. Complaints

If you have concerns about privacy, please contact our Practice Manager.
If unresolved, you may contact:
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
1300 363 992
www.oaic.gov.au

13. Website & Digital Privacy

If you use our website or interact with us via email or social media, any personal information shared is handled securely and confidentially. Our website may use analytics and cookies.

14. Review of This Policy

Blackwood Clinic reviews this policy annually or when significant changes occur. Updates will be published on our website and may be communicated directly to patients. This policy was last reviewed in 2019 and updated on 04 December 2025.