Privacy Policy
Our Commitment to Patient Privacy
The East Wellington Family Health Team (EWFHT) prioritizes the privacy and confidentiality of your personal health information. We adhere strictly to legal, provincial, and ethical standards regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of data necessary for your care. All staff, physicians, and contractors are bound by this commitment.
What is Personal Health Information?
This includes identifying data regarding your physical or mental health, encompassing comprehensive medical history, illnesses, allergies, hospitalizations, OHIP information, and organ/tissue donation details.
The 10 Principles of Privacy Compliance
Our Privacy Policy complies with legal standards. Key points include:
- 1. Accountability: Our Executive Director is responsible for compliance with privacy protocols.
- 2. Identifying Purposes: Information is gathered to establish a clinical relationship, primarily from you or authorized providers, limited to necessary care.
- 3. Informed Consent: Implied consent covers internal "circle of care," while external sharing usually requires express consent.
- 4. Limiting Collection: Information is collected only by fair and lawful means, strictly necessary for treatment.
- 5. Limiting Use, Disclosure, and Retention: Data is never sold. It is only shared with authorized partners for operational support.
- 6. Medical Record Retention: Records are securely maintained for a minimum of 10 years to meet regulatory requirements.
- 7. Accuracy: We aim for accurate records and rely on patients to provide updated, truthful information.
- 8. Safeguards: Patient information is secured, with paper files locked and electronic systems password-protected. Note: Standard email is not secure for sensitive information.
- 9. Openness: This policy is available for review, with physical copies available upon request.
- 10. Access and Correction: You have the right to access your records and request corrections for factual inaccuracies.
Challenging Compliance & Contact Information
Please contact us to address any concerns. Inquiries should be directed to our management team.
- Address: East Wellington Family Health Team, 6 Thompson Cr., Unit 1, Erin, ON N0B 1T0
- Telephone: (519) 833-7576
- Fax: (519) 833-0343
- Website: EWFHT Contact Page
Should issues remain unresolved, we will provide information on external, provincial complaint procedures.