Freedom of Information
Eastern Health is committed to ensuring a high standard of communication between clinical staff and patients. If you would like to apply for access to your medical record, or any information held about you by Eastern Health, you may do so by applying under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic) - (FOI).
Under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic) you may apply to access any information held about you by Eastern Health, including your medical record or employment records.
WHO CAN APPLY?
A patient, legal representative or insurance company may apply under the FOI Act. If a person other than the patient applies, we must have the written consent of the patient, or in the case of a deceased patient, the written consent of the next of kin.
WHAT CAN I HAVE ACCESS TO?
Applicants may request a photocopy of part or whole of the original documents. You may also request to view the original documents under supervision.
HOW DO I APPLY?
The request must be in writing - either in the form of a letter, email or a completed FOI application form. Requests cannot be processed without some form of identification.
All requests should be addressed to the FOI Officer, at the hospital site you attended. Addresses for each site and contact numbers are located on the EH FOI Pamphlet.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
Requests cannot be processed until the application fee or a copy of a health/pension card is received.
As of the 1 July 2009, the application fee will be $23.90 and 20c per page for photocopying. If the applicant is a pension or health care cardholder and can supply a photocopy of the card, the application fee and photocopying fees will be waived.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
Once your application is received and is validated (includes receipt of application fee, proof of identity, appropriate authorisation where applicable), under the FOI Act, Eastern Health has up to 45 days to respond with a decision to your request.
Contact us:
foi@easternhealth.org.au