1. Purpose
Newtown Medical Centre is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our patients’ personal and health information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, store and manage personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and the RACGP Standards for General Practices.
This policy applies to all personal information collected by Newtown Medical Centre in the course of providing healthcare services.
2. Contact Details
For enquiries regarding this Privacy Policy or the management of your personal information, please contact:
Practice Manager
Newtown Medical Centre
309–311 Pakington Street
Newtown VIC 3220
Email: reception@newtownmc.com.au
3. Collection of Personal Information
Newtown Medical Centre collects personal information that is necessary to provide healthcare services, manage our practice and meet our legal and regulatory obligations.
Information is generally collected directly from patients when they register as a patient, attend appointments, complete registration or consent forms, communicate with the practice by telephone, email, SMS or through our website, or use our online appointment booking services.
Where appropriate, personal information may also be collected from third parties including a parent, guardian or authorised representative, treating specialists, allied health providers, hospitals, pathology and diagnostic imaging providers, Medicare, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, private health insurers and My Health Record (where authorised).
4. Types of Information Collected
The information collected may include personal details, contact information, emergency contacts, Medicare and DVA details, Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI), private health insurance information, medical history, family and social history, medications, allergies, immunisation records, investigation results, referral correspondence, clinical notes, and billing information. Only information reasonably necessary for the provision of healthcare services is collected.
5. Consent
By registering as a patient of Newtown Medical Centre, you consent to the collection, use and disclosure of your personal information for purposes directly related to your healthcare. Where information is required for another purpose, your consent will be obtained unless otherwise authorised or required by law.
6. Use of Personal Information
Personal information is used to provide healthcare services, maintain medical records, communicate with patients, coordinate care, process Medicare and DVA claims, comply with legal obligations, undertake quality improvement activities, accreditation requirements, staff education and clinical governance.
7. Disclosure of Personal Information
Personal information may be disclosed to healthcare providers involved in your care, hospitals, pathology and imaging services, pharmacists through electronic prescribing, My Health Record, Medicare, DVA, government authorities where required by law, accreditation agencies and contracted IT providers operating under confidentiality agreements. Information may also be disclosed where required or authorised by law.
8. Overseas Disclosure
Newtown Medical Centre does not routinely disclose personal information outside Australia. Overseas disclosure will only occur with your consent or where otherwise permitted by law.
9. Marketing Communications
The practice will not use your personal information for direct marketing without your express consent. You may withdraw your consent at any time.
10. Quality Improvement and Research
The practice may use de-identified patient information for quality improvement, accreditation, education and approved research activities. Patients may request that their de-identified information not be included in these activities.
11. Document Automation and Clinical Software
The practice uses Best Practice Premier and secure document automation technologies to prepare clinical documents such as referrals and care plans. Access is restricted to authorised users through individual login credentials.
12. Medical Images and CCTV
Clinical photographs may be taken where relevant to your care and with appropriate consent. CCTV operates in designated areas of the practice for safety and security purposes.
13. Storage and Security
Personal information is protected through secure electronic medical records, role-based access controls, individual usernames and passwords, secure backups, confidentiality agreements, physical security measures and ongoing staff privacy training.
14. Use of Artificial Intelligence and Document Automation Technology
Newtown Medical Centre and the healthcare professionals practicing at the Centre use artificial intelligence (AI), AI-enabled software and document automation technologies to support the delivery and administration of healthcare services.
Document automation
These systems are used to streamline administrative processes and assist staff and healthcare professionals in preparing documents. Automated document generation does not replace the responsibility of the healthcare professional to review the document and ensure that it is accurate, appropriate and contains only the information necessary for its intended purpose.
Documents are reviewed before being provided to a third party, such as a specialist, pathology provider or other healthcare service, where appropriate.
AI-assisted clinical documentation
Some healthcare professionals at Newtown Medical Centre may use AI-enabled medical scribe or clinical documentation technologies, such as Heidi Health or Lyrebird, to assist with documenting consultations and preparing clinical notes.
Where an AI scribe is proposed to be used during your consultation, the healthcare professional will inform you before using the technology and seek your consent. Your consent, or refusal of consent, will be recorded in your medical record.
AI-generated or AI-assisted documentation is reviewed by the healthcare professional, who remains responsible for the accuracy and completeness of your medical record and for all clinical decisions relating to your care.
AI and automated technologies are used as support tools only and do not replace the professional judgement, clinical assessment or decision-making of your healthcare professional.
Newtown Medical Centre takes reasonable steps to ensure that personal and health information used in connection with AI and document automation technologies is handled securely and in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles and applicable healthcare privacy requirements.
Where AI or automated technology is used in a way that involves automated decision-making about an individual that may significantly affect their rights or interests, Newtown Medical Centre will provide information about that use in accordance with applicable privacy law and regulatory requirements.
15. Access and Correction
Patients may request access to or correction of their personal information by contacting the Practice Manager. Requests will be managed in accordance with privacy legislation. An administrative fee of $44.00 applies for copies of medical records.
16. Privacy Complaints
Privacy complaints should be directed to the Practice Manager, Newtown Medical Centre, 309–311 Pakington Street, Newtown VIC 3220, or email manager@newtownmc.com.au. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) on 1300 363 992 or visit www.oaic.gov.au.
17. Website Privacy
Our website may use cookies, analytics and online forms to improve functionality and user experience. Information submitted electronically is managed in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
17. Policy Review
This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with current legislation and best practice.
August 2026
Next Review: August 2027
