Health Information Unit
You are entitled to request access to your personal information, including your health records, held by health service providers in NSW.
We collect your personal health information so that we can provide you with treatment and advice. Test results and further information collected while you are being treated are kept with your health record. We only collect information that is relevant and necessary for your treatment and to manage the health services we provide.
We collect health information directly from you wherever possible. If this is not possible, or in an emergency, we may refer to your previous health records, other health care providers and your My Health Record. We may also need to collect information from a family member, friend, carer or other person such as an interpreter who can help us to provide you with appropriate health care.
Your information may be held in paper or electronic files, including visual image and audio format. We take all reasonable steps to ensure that the information we collect about you is stored securely. We are required by law to retain health records for certain periods of time, depending on the type of record and facility. We have appropriate systems and policies in place to protect your information from loss, unauthorised access and misuse.
If you do not wish for us to collect certain information about you, you need to tell us, and we will discuss with you any consequences this may have for your health care.
You can request information by completing an Application to Access Health Information form. Please send it to the Health Information Unit at the hospital via:
Email:
SESLHD-SSEH-ClinicalInformation@health.nsw.gov.au
Post:
Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital
Health Information Unit
GPO Box 1614 Sydney NSW 2001
For your application to be considered and actioned you MUST provide the requested forms of identification.
Fees and charges may apply.
You are also entitled to have your personal information, including your health information, amended to correct inaccuracies.
If you believe the health information, we hold about you is incorrect, please let your healthcare provider or the Health Information Unit know. Appropriate action will be taken, and you will be informed of the outcome.
This action may include correction of the error or addition of a notation to your health record.
To assist us in maintaining accurate health information please advise your healthcare provider, relevant administrative staff or the Health Information Unit if, for example, you change your name, address, contact details, or your family doctor's details.
For any Medico-Legal Requests you can either send the 'Release of Information' request via post, in person, or via email.
Post:
Release of Information Officer
Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital
GPO Box 1614
Sydney NSW 2001
In person
Release of Information Officer
Ground Floor Administration Building
8 Macquarie Street
Sydney
Email:
SESLHD-SSEH-ClinicalInformation@health.nsw.gov.au
Requests for information from insurers, solicitors or other third parties must be accompanied by a valid consent.
Fees for copies of notes are $33.00, for the first 80 pages (inc. GST). Pages in excess of 80, are charged at 0.41 cents per page.
Subpoenas should be addressed to the Proper Officer at Sydney/Sydney Eye Hospital.
Subpoenas can be sent to the hospital via email, post or delivered in person to the Health Information Unit, Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital:
Post:
Proper Officer
Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital
GPO Box 1614
Sydney NSW 2001
In person
Proper Officer
Ground Floor Administration Building
8 Macquarie Street
Sydney
Email:
attention: Proper Officer
SESLHD-SSEH-ClinicalInformation@health.nsw.gov.au
Fees
The party issuing the subpoena will be charged a fee as follows:
• at least 5 working days’ notice is given to produce the record to Court ($75)
• less than 5 working days’ notice is given to produce the record to Court ($113)
An additional photocopying fee of 41 cents per page is also applicable.