Your health information

Rights and responsibilities

Patient heatlh care rights and responsibilities

Privacy

NSW Health privacy information

Managing HIV information

An amendment to the Public Health Act 2010 in 2017 means that, consistent with the rest of your health information, HIV information is now available to health care workers involved in providing care, treatment or counselling to you, even if the care, treatment or counselling does not relate directly to your HIV.

This means

If you attend a NSW public health service for an HIV test or for HIV-related treatment your test result and other HIV information will be available to clinicians, nurses and other NSW Health staff involved in providing care to you for any condition.

Why has this changed?

This change has been made to better manage the care of people living with HIV. HIV is now managed as a chronic condition and there is often a genuine clinical need for care providers to be aware of your HIV status when managing conditions that may not appear to be directly related to HIV infection.

Your privacy and confidentiality is still protected

The confidentiality of HIV information remains protected by the Public Health Act and the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 which sets limits on how your health information, including HIV information, can be used and disclosed.

Under these laws, your HIV status may be disclosed to a person involved in your care. This may include staff at any NSW public hospital or health facility, your GP, and private health services.

Serious penalties apply to staff who inappropriately access your information, including disciplinary action and potential criminal charges.

Accessing your health information

Our clients can access their health records under the GIPA Act or the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (HRIPA)​. The Health Records and Information Privacy Act guides what information we can provide you and what you need to do get access to this information.

Application process

• Download the  Application to Access Personal Health Information form and follow the instructions. Under Request records select Prince of Wales Hospital (tick box)
• Note: Adahps doesn't hold the following health information: Clinical Imaging/x-ray/photography, Work Cover Certificate/Medical Certificate, Medical Certificate of Cause of Death or Confirmation of Birth
• If you want to apply for a pensioner discount use your pension or health care card as one of your two forms of identification.

When your request has been granted we can provide your information as a hard copy (paper) or you can come and view your health record at the Adahps office, under the supervision of a health care professional or health information manager.

Making a compliment or a complaint

If you have a concern, complaint or compliment relating to Adahps you can talk to our staff or write to the Adahps Service Co-ordinator.