At Aire Clinic, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal and health information is handled with the highest standards of confidentiality, professionalism, and care. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and disclose your information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and relevant health privacy legislation.

Information We Collect

In providing psychiatric and mental health services, we may collect:
- Personal details (name, date of birth, address, contact details).
- Health information (medical history, psychiatric history, medications, test results, reports from other health providers).
- Family, social, and cultural background relevant to your care.
- Information provided by family members, carers, or next of kin (with your consent).
- Medicare details, private health insurance, and billing information.
- Referrer and GP contact information.

How We Collect Information

We may collect information:
- Directly from you during appointments, phone calls, telehealth consultations, or written correspondence.
- From your referring doctor, GP, or other health professionals involved in your care (with your consent, unless required or authorised by law).
- From family members, carers, or next of kin, where you have provided consent for them to share information relevant to your treatment and wellbeing.

Use of Your Information

Your information is used for:
- Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
- Communication with your GP, referrer, or other health professionals (with your consent).
- Medicare and health insurance billing.
- Administrative and practice management purposes.
- Quality assurance, training, and clinical governance (in de-identified form where possible).

Disclosure of Information

We will only share your information when:
- It is directly related to your care and you have provided consent.
- It is required by law (e.g., mandatory reporting, court orders).
- There is a serious risk to your safety or the safety of others.
- Disclosure is necessary for billing, audit, or health service operations.

Storage and Security

Your records are stored securely in electronic systems that comply with Australian health data security standards. We use secure messaging (e.g., HealthLink) and encrypted platforms for communication wherever possible.

We have implemented physical, electronic, and managerial safeguards to protect your information. However, no system is completely risk-free, and we cannot guarantee the security of information transmitted over the internet. Patients should be aware of the inherent risks of electronic communication, although we take reasonable steps to minimise them.

Telehealth

When providing telehealth services, we use secure platforms to protect your privacy. We take reasonable steps to ensure confidentiality but cannot guarantee against all risks inherent in electronic communication.

Website and Cookies

Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to improve user experience and collect data on how our website is used. Cookies do not reveal personal identity. You may disable cookies through your browser settings, but this may affect website functionality.

We do not use cookies for advertising purposes.

Access and Correction

You may request access to your health information or ask us to correct it if inaccurate. Requests should be made in writing to your treating psychiatrist. In limited circumstances, access may be restricted (e.g., if release poses a risk to your safety), but we will always explain why.

Complaints

If you have concerns about your privacy, you can raise them with us directly. If unresolved, you may contact:
- The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) – www.oaic.gov.au
- The Health Complaints Commissioner (Victoria) – www.hcc.vic.gov.au

Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The most recent version will always be published on our website. We encourage you to check this page periodically to stay informed about how we manage your information.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this policy or how we manage your information, please contact us at:

Aire Clinic
admin@aireclinic.com.au