Who has access to my medical record?

All Medical Centre staff members are required to maintain patient confidentiality when handling and disclosing patient information.

The medical records of patients attending the Westgate Health Co-op’s either at Vernon Street, South Kingsville or Home Road, Newport are securely transferred and stored at these sites.

Your treating doctor and other current health service providers may be provided with information if it is required for your ongoing care.

If you do not want this information given to other healthcare providers please notify us by writing to: Patient Representative, Westgate Health Co-op Ltd, PO Box 11, Altona North, 3025.

How do you protect my personal information?

General enquiries from patients, friends and relatives relating to appointment times, attendance or a patient’s general condition will be handled by Westgate Health staff.

If you do not want information of this type released please notify us by writing to: Patient Representative, Westgate Health Co-op Ltd, PO Box 11, Altona North, 3025.

Should the surgery be required by law to release information from your medical record, such a release would be conducted through the Privacy Officer.

Are students involved in my visit to the Surgery?

The Westgate Health Co-op is a training surgery and such students participate in some aspects of the surgery.

Please advise your doctor or other health professionals if you do not wish to be examined by students.

Will I be contacted after I leave Westgate Health Co-op Ltd?

A staff member may contact you following a visit to the surgery regarding results or recalls which may include Pap Smear recalls.  The doctor may initiate the phone call himself or refer to a nurse or receptionist to follow up if you were uncontactable.

If you have a dental appointment you will most probably be contacted by phone the day before your appointment as a reminder.

You may also be contacted each year to remind you of your membership renewal.

At times we may seek your opinon on our services.  Mostly, these surveys, which are voluntary and confidential, are conducted while you are in the surgery, however you may be contacted at home.

How do I access my medical information?

Any questions you have in relation to your medical record can be discussed with your doctor at the time of your consultation.

If the issue is complicated, or if you require a report, or access to your medical history through Freedom of Information, you should write, stating your requirements to

Your current doctor,
Westgate Health Co-op Ltd
PO Box 11
Altona North  3025

If a report is required for either:-Insurance, Workcover, solicitor, Centrecare etc proformas, requests are forwarded from the firm in question stating in writing what is required.  This letter must be accompanied with a signed authority from the patient before information will be released.

What about fundraising?

In order to provide better facilities and equipment for our patients, the surgery conducts fund-raising activities.  These activities only occur in the surgery.

What happens to the information collected about me at Westgate Health Co-op Ltd?

When you become a patient at Westgate Health Co-op a medical record is made containing your personal and health information.

It is important that the details in your medical record are accurate.  Please advise us of any need to update your information.

The clinic will sometimes handout update sheets upon your arrival.  This will also ensure that we keep up to date records.

This information is collected and documented so that each healthcare professional who is involved in your care can provide you with appropriate and safe treatment.

Information may also be used by the clinic for research, planning, teaching and evaluating the healthcare services we provide to our patients.

Who do I contact if I have a privacy complaint or comment?

Contact our Patient Representative.

Telephone: (03) 93916777

Postal address:
Patient Representative
PO Box 11
Altona North 3025