At Ropata Health, we are committed to protecting your privacy and keeping your health information safe.
We collect, use, store and share your personal and health information in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 and the Health Information Privacy Code 2020.
Below is what information we collect, why we collect it, how we use it, and your rights.
Why we collect your information
We collect your personal and health information so we can:
- provide you with safe, high-quality healthcare
- assess, diagnose and treat your health needs
- coordinate your care with other healthcare providers involved in your treatment
- maintain accurate health records
- meet our legal, professional and funding obligations.
What information we collect
The information we collect may include:
- your name, date of birth and contact details
- National Health Index (NHI) number
- medical history and current health information
- medications, allergies and test results
- information about appointments and consultations
- relevant information provided by other healthcare providers involved in your care.
Where possible, we collect this information directly from you. Sometimes we may receive information from another healthcare provider, such as a hospital, specialist or another general practice. If we do this, we will let you know where required by law and explain why we have collected the information.
How we use your information
Your information is used to:
- provide ongoing healthcare and treatment
- communicate with you about your care
- refer you to other healthcare providers when appropriate
- support quality improvement and the safe delivery of healthcare
- meet legal and regulatory requirements.
We will only use your information for other purposes where you have given your consent or where the law permits or requires us to do so.
Who we share your information with
We only share your health information when it is necessary for your care or where we are legally required or authorised to do so.
This may include:
- hospitals and specialists involved in your care
- laboratories and radiology providers
- pharmacies
- other health professionals involved in your treatment
- Health New Zealand and other agencies where required by law or for approved health services.
We will not share your information for unrelated purposes without your permission unless the law allows or requires it.
Keeping your information safe
We take appropriate steps to protect your personal information by:
- storing information securely
- restricting access to authorised staff
- using secure electronic systems
- regularly reviewing our privacy and security practices.
Your privacy rights
You have the right to:
- request access to your health information
- request correction of any information you believe is inaccurate or incomplete
- ask us to attach a statement of correction if we do not agree to change the information
- ask questions about how your information has been used or shared.
Questions or concerns
If you would like to access or correct your health information, please contact us by calling our reception team on 04 9200 800 or by email reception@ropata.net.nz. If you have any questions or concerns about your privacy or how your information has been handled, please contact our privacy officer complaints@ropata.net.nz.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you can contact the Health and Disability Commissioner or the Nationwide Health and Disability Advocacy Service.
Health and Disability Commissioner
PO Box 1791, Auckland 1140
Phone: (04) 494 7900
Email: hdc@hdc.org.nz
Nationwide Health and Disability Advocacy Service
Freephone: 0800 555 050
Email: advocacy@hdc.org.nz