Communication Policy
The practice discourages the use of email as it is not always manned or answered in a timely manner.
Doctors are unable to accept phone calls while consulting. If you need to speak to your doctor our staff will advise them of your call and it will be returned at their earliest convenience. The practice uses SMS to deliver appointment reminders and recall reminders.
Email Policy
Communication with patients via email is conducted with appropriate regard to the Privacy Laws relating to health information and confidentiality. Email to fax correspondence where possible is password protected.
All incoming emails will receive the following ‘auto responder’ – “If this is a medical emergency please call triple zero. This email address is not regularly monitored. There is a risk that important clinical information may be missed or not picked up in a timely manner. Patients should carefully consider the issue of security before sending medical information via unencrypted email. If your enquiry is in relation to a general enquiry, an appointment or to discuss clinical issues please telephone our reception staff on (02) 6555 0116”.
Open Disclosure
Open disclosure is defined in the Australian Open Disclosure Framework as, ‘an open discussion with a patient about one or more incidents that resulted in harm to the patient while they were receiving healthcare’. Hope Skin Cancer & GP Clinic actively promotes Open Disclosure. For more information go to Safety & Quality.
Privacy Policy
We strive to maintain the highest level of confidentiality regarding your medical information. All personal and medical information collected, either hard or soft copy, is kept strictly confidential. Our staff only have access to information required to provide care to you. Patient information will not be released to third parties without the consent of the patient.
To access our Privacy Policy please click here.
Recalls And Results (in Practice Policies)
The practice will contact you for clinical recalls and routine reminders either by phone or SMS. Patients have the right to refuse to participate in recall and reminder systems.
Social Media Policy
The practice maintains a Facebook page to assist in providing information to the community about the practice and which is restricted to prevent comments. Staff are educated on the risks of using private social media. Information posted in their private capacity may reflect adversely on their professional capacity or the business.
To access our Social Media Policy please click here.