Introduction
Southern Cross Care (Tasmania) Inc (SCC) is committed to providing quality services to you and this policy outlines our ongoing obligations to you in respect of how we manage your Personal Information.
We have adopted the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (the Privacy Act). The APPs govern the way in which we collect, use, disclose, store, secure and dispose of your Personal Information.
It applies to all older people, clients, residents, workers, volunteers, contractors, and other individuals we interact with in the course of providing services, including those in residential aged care, home care, and retirement villages.
A copy of the Australian Privacy Principles may be obtained from the website of The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at Australian Privacy Principles | OAIC.
Personal Information
Personal Information is information or an opinion that identifies an individual. We collect a variety of personal information to provide our services. This may include, but is not limited to:
- Older People, Home Care Clients and Retirement Village Residents Information: Name, contact details, date of birth, health and medical records, care preferences, emergency contact information, and financial details.
- Workers and Volunteers Information: Personal contact details, employment history, qualifications, training records, and background checks.
- Visitors Information: Name, contact details, and relationship to older people, clients and residents.
How We Collect Personal Information
We may collect personal information in the following ways:
- Directly from you (e.g., when you complete forms, interact with our workers, or use our services).
- From your family members, caregivers, or authorised representatives.
- Through online forms, emails, or phone calls.
- From third parties such as healthcare providers, regulatory authorities, or other organisations involved in your care.
Use of Personal Information
We use the personal information we collect for the following purposes:
- To provide services to older people, clients and residents, including health, medical, and care management.
- To manage our workforce and volunteers, including recruitment, training, and performance management.
- To communicate with you and respond to your queries or requests.
- To meet legal and regulatory requirements, including compliance with the Aged Care Quality Standards and the Privacy Act 1988.
- To manage business operations and improve the quality of services provided.
We will only use your personal information for purposes that are reasonably related to the provision of our services or as required by law.
Sensitive Information
Sensitive information is defined in the Privacy Act to include information or opinion about such things as an individual’s racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, membership of a political association, religious or philosophical beliefs, membership of a trade union or other professional body, criminal record, or health information.
We will use sensitive information only:
- For the primary purpose for which it was obtained
- For a secondary purpose that is directly related to the primary purpose
- With your consent, or where required or authorised by law.
Third Parties
Where reasonable and practicable to do so, we will collect your Personal Information only from you. However, in some circumstances we may be provided with information by third parties. In such a case we will take reasonable steps to ensure that you are made aware of the information provided to us by the third party.
Disclosure of Personal Information
Your Personal Information may be disclosed in a number of circumstances including the following:
- Third parties where you consent to the use or disclosure; and
- Where required or authorised by law.
Security of Personal Information
Your Personal Information is stored in a manner that reasonably protects it from misuse and loss and from unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.
When your Personal Information is no longer needed for the purpose for which it was obtained, we will take reasonable steps to destroy or permanently de-identify your Personal Information. However, most of the Personal Information is or will be stored in client files which will be kept by us for a minimum of 7 years.
Access to Your Personal Information
You may access the Personal Information we hold about you and to update and/or correct it, subject to certain exceptions. If you wish to access your Personal Information, please contact us in writing.
SCC will not charge any fee for your access request but may charge an administrative fee for providing a copy of your Personal Information.
In order to protect your Personal Information, we may require identification from you before releasing the requested information.
Maintaining the Quality of your Personal Information
It is important to us that your Personal Information is up to date. We will take reasonable steps to make sure that your Personal Information is accurate, complete, and up to date. If you find that the information we have is not up to date or is inaccurate, please advise us as soon as practicable so we can update our records and ensure we can continue to provide quality services to you.
Privacy Policy Complaints and Enquiries
If you have concerns about how we manage your personal information or if you believe that we have breached the Privacy Act 1988, you have the right to lodge a complaint. You can contact us using the details below.
We will investigate any complaints and respond within a reasonable timeframe. If you are dissatisfied with our response, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
Policy Updates
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be effective when the updated policy is posted on our website.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or the way we manage your personal information, please contact us at:
Address: 85 Creek Road, New Town, 7008
email: enquiries@scctas.org.au
Phone: (03) 6146 1800
Website Privacy
When you visit this website the web server will automatically collect limited information essential for the operation and security of this website. Depending on the standards followed by your internet provider some information, such as your IP address, may be identified. Southern Cross Care (Tas) Inc. will not use this information for purposes other than as identified in this policy. If you are concerned about the potential of this information being revealed to this Organisation we recommend that you discuss with your internet provider.
Links to other websites
We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of other websites that we provide a link to. We recommend that you research their policy in regard to the protection you will be provided.