Health Information Services
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
Free and quick access to selected medical documents is available to patients and guardians with correct patient identification and consent.
The below options outline how to access medical records before considering the formal Freedom of Information process. What you choose may depend on your reason for needing records or the amount you require.
- Your GP/other medical practitioner
- MBPH can transfer documents directly to your GP & other medical practitioners for the purposes of your ongoing care and referrals.
- This can be done quickly and no payment is required. If you wish to make this request, please complete form below.
- GPs/other medical practitioners can request information directly by forwarding their requests for information to Health Information Services with signed patient consent.
- MBPH can transfer documents directly to your GP & other medical practitioners for the purposes of your ongoing care and referrals.
- Your own requirement
- Discharge Summaries, Pathology Reports, Radiology Reports and Operation Reports can be supplied directly to you with photo ID
Requests above can be emailed directly to HIS@mbph.org.au
If the above options do not suit your needs, please read information below regarding the FOI process and how to make an application.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
What is Freedom of Information?
Freedom of Information Act 1982 gives a person the right to request access to documents about you held by Mildura Base Public Hospital. The Act also gives you the right to request amendment of information about you that you believe is incorrect or misleading. Your medical record remains the property of the hospital
How does it work?
You may apply to access the information in the following ways:
by receiving a photocopy of the medical record(s) or
by viewing the record with the Privacy Officer
How much will it cost me?
Section 17(2A) of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (“Act”) requires that a non-refundable application fee of $32.70 accompany a request for access. We are unable to process a request until the application fee is paid.
The application fee is a fixed cost which is non-refundable. The only exception is for people suffering financial hardship who may ask the agency to waive the application fee
Victorian legislation requires all health records to undergo an appropriate review prior to release by medical or administrative personnel. If your application is approved you will be required to pay the following additional fees
You will be advised of production charges when notified of the outcome of your application. Payment of these charges is required prior to the documents being provided
Photocopied information
Search Charge of $24.50 per hour (excludes requests for documents containing information relating to the personal affairs of the applicant)
Document Charge of 20c per A4 page
Postage charges of $11.00 when sent by registered mail
Viewing the medical record
A Supervision Charge of $22.20 per hour to be calculated per ¼ hour or part of a ¼ hour
Document Charge of 20c per A4 page if any photocopies are required
How do I view or obtain a copy of my records?
Please complete the attached application form and return the form with a photocopy of an identity document which includes a photograph and a signature (for example: Drivers Licence, Passport), and your cheque or money order made payable to “Mildura Base Public Hospital”.
If you are making an application on behalf of another person then the request must be accompanied by the patient/client’s signed authority, or other certified documents such as Guardianship Orders. If the patient/client is deceased the Legal Representative (executor of will or administrator of estate) or the Senior Legal Next of Kin must sign the application and attach a photocopy of identification and supporting documentation of their relationship with the deceased.
There is no set age limit for minors to be able to consent. Mildura Base Public Hospital will assess each request on a case by case basis.
How long will I have to wait?
The FOI Act requires that Mildura Base Public Hospital take all steps to notify an applicant of a decision on a request as soon as is practicable, but in any case not later than 30 days after the day on which a valid request is received. Please note that the Act allows MBPH to unilaterally extend this time by 15 days in certain circumstances; in this case we will advise you in writing. The 30 days commences upon the receipt of the written application, accompanied by the $32.70 application fee, identification and supporting documentation (if required).
You will be notified via email when your application is complete.
If you wish to submit an FOI application, please complete the form below.
How do I get in contact?
Privacy Officer
Mildura Base Public Hospital
PO Box 620
Mildura VIC 3502
Telephone: (03) 5022 3303
Facsimile: (03) 5022 3306
Email: MBPH-Privacy@mbph.org.au
