Health Information Privacy Statement
Your Privacy
At Hospice Marlborough, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal and health information. We collect, use, store, and share health information in accordance with New Zealand privacy laws and the Health Information Privacy Code.
Why We Collect Information
We collect information about you to:
- Provide safe, effective, and personalised care and support.
- Communicate with health professionals involved in your care.
- Coordinate services and treatment.
- Meet legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations.
- Support service planning, quality improvement, reporting, research, and statistical purposes.
Where information is used for reporting, planning, research, or statistical purposes, it will be de-identified wherever possible so that individuals cannot be identified.
Information We Receive from Other Sources
Where possible, we collect information directly from you.
At times, we may also receive information from:
- Your GP or specialist.
- Hospitals and other healthcare providers.
- Family or whānau members.
- Carers or support people.
- People authorised to act on your behalf.
We collect this information only when it is relevant to your care, treatment, or the services we provide. Where required, we will take reasonable steps to ensure you are aware that information has been collected, why it has been collected, how it will be used, who may receive it, and your rights regarding that information.
Keeping Your Information Safe
We take reasonable steps to protect your information from unauthorised access, loss, misuse, alteration, or disclosure.
Your information is securely stored within authorised information systems and is only accessible to staff and healthcare professionals who require access to perform their roles or support your care.
Sharing Your Information
We will only share your information:
- With your consent, or the consent of your authorised representative.
- With healthcare professionals involved in your care.
- For purposes directly related to the reason the information was collected.
- Where disclosure is required or permitted by law.
- In a de-identified form for approved reporting, research, quality improvement, or statistical purposes.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Know why we are collecting your information.
- Access the personal and health information we hold about you.
- Request correction of information you believe is inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date.
- Authorise another person to access information on your behalf.
- Ask questions about how your information is collected, used, stored, and shared.
Proof of identity may be required before information is released.
Requesting Your Health Information
If you would like access to your health information, please contact Hospice Marlborough. You may be asked to complete a Health Information Request Form and provide suitable identification to protect your privacy.
Questions or Concerns
If you have any questions or concerns about how Hospice Marlborough handles your personal or health information, please contact our Privacy Officer Helen Reriti:
Phone: 03 578 9492
Email: helen.reriti@mht.org.nz
Address: PO Box 411, BLENHEIM 7240
If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for further assistance.