Forward Healthcare is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled in a safe and responsible manner. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use our website or services.
We are committed to protecting the privacy of personal information we collect, whether online or offline, including through our website, forms, clinical consultations, and administrative processes.
This Privacy Policy is prepared in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic). In the event of any inconsistency, these laws will prevail.
By engaging our services, contacting us, or using our website, you agree to this Privacy Policy.
We only collect personal information that is reasonably necessary for providing healthcare services. This may include:
Personal information is collected directly from you where possible, including when you:
We may also collect information from third parties such as referring doctors, specialists, insurers, or government agencies where required.
We collect and use personal information to provide healthcare services, manage appointments, communicate with patients, and maintain clinical records. This may include:
We may disclose personal information to healthcare professionals involved in your care, administrative staff, contractors, insurers, regulatory bodies, or as required by law.
Information may also be shared with service providers such as IT systems, payment processors, or cloud storage providers (including some located outside Australia where required).
We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.
Data is stored securely using electronic systems with restricted access, password protection, and secure servers located in Australia where possible.
Our website may collect non-personal information such as browser type, pages visited, and usage data to improve performance.
We may use cookies and analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to understand user behaviour and improve our services.
You may request access to the personal information we hold about you. If you believe the information is incorrect or outdated, you may request corrections.
We may charge a reasonable administrative fee for providing access where permitted by law.
You may choose to remain anonymous or use a pseudonym where practical. However, this may limit our ability to provide healthcare services, process payments, or offer Medicare/insurance benefits.
We may contact you with updates, appointment reminders, or service information. All marketing communications comply with the Spam Act 2003 (Cth), and you may opt out at any time.
We retain medical records in accordance with legal requirements (generally a minimum of 7 years, or until age 25 for minors). When no longer required, information is securely destroyed or de-identified.
If you have any concerns about your privacy or wish to make a complaint, we will investigate and respond promptly in accordance with applicable laws.
Forward Healthcare
5 / 1159 Plenty Road, Bundoora VIC 3083
Phone: 03 9123 4360
Email: admin@fhcare.com.au
You may also contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) if you are not satisfied with our response.
