You Had Me at Hello Speech Pathology is a private Speech Pathology practice owned and operated by Finley Oldmeadow.

Purpose

To ensure that client data is protected in accordance with Australian privacy laws and NDIS regulations, ensuring confidentiality and security during appointments.

I am committed to safeguarding the privacy of the personal information I collect and manage about individuals. I comply with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), as well as other relevant privacy laws applicable to private sector health service providers. Additionally, I adhere to Speech Pathology Australia’s Code of Ethics (2020).

This Privacy Policy outlines how You Had Me at Hello Speech Pathology collects, uses, stores, and discloses personal and health information.

Scope

This policy applies to all staff and any third parties who may ever be involved in handling client information within the practice.

Policy Details

Confidentiality
All information shared during appointments (whether via Telehealth or in-person) is confidential and must be treated with the utmost respect and care.

Data Security
All client information will be stored in secure, encrypted systems. Client records must be accessed only by authorised personnel.

Procedure

You Had Me at Hello Speech Pathology’s legal obligations
To provide the healthcare services you’ve requested, You Had Me at Hello Speech Pathology will need to collect and use certain personal information. If you provide incomplete, inaccurate, or withheld information, I may not be able to effectively deliver the services you seek.

The information You Had Me at Hello Speech Pathology collects
I collect only the personal information necessary for the specific function or activity we are undertaking. The information I collect includes, but is not limited to:

  • Name

  • Date of birth

  • Address

  • NDIS number

  • NDIS Plan dates

  • NDIS Plan goals

  • Health and family history

This information is required to allow me to assess and support you appropriately.

How You Had Me at Hello Speech Pathology collects health information
I usually collect health information directly from you. However, in some cases, we may need to gather information from a third party, such as a family member or another healthcare provider.

How You Had Me at Hello Speech Pathology uses your information
I will use your personal and health information for the purpose for which it was provided. This includes:

  • Providing Speech Pathology services

  • Managing my relationship with you

  • Communicating with you about your care

I may also use your information for purposes permitted by the Privacy Act 1988.

Who your information may be disclosed to
I may share your information with the following parties when necessary:

  • Other health professionals involved in your care
    While your information is primarily used by me, the Speech Pathologist providing your care, it may sometimes be shared with other healthcare professionals, such as Occupational Therapists or Psychologists, who are involved in your treatment.

  • The referrer
    A progress summary may be sent to the referrer (e.g., a Support Coordinator). If you do not wish for this information to be shared, please inform me. Additionally, please notify me if the referrer’s contact details change.

  • Relatives, guardians, or legal representatives
    I may disclose information to your family members, guardians, or other close contacts unless you inform me that you do not wish for me to do so.

  • Other uses and disclosures
    I may use or disclose your information for purposes including:

○      Quality assurance, accreditation, audits, risk management, and client surveys

○      Billing, invoicing, and account management

○      Communication with NDIS

○      Sending appointment reminders via text or email

  • Other uses with your consent
    If you consent, I may use your information for marketing purposes or research. I will not use your personal information for these purposes without your explicit consent. Additionally, I will not disclose your information outside Australia.

Access to and correction of your health information
You have the right to access your personal and health information held by You Had Me at Hello Speech Pathology. If you believe any of your information is inaccurate, you can request amendments.

If I disagree with your request to correct your information, you may include a statement of the change you requested, which will be attached to your record.

To access or amend your health record, please contact me (finley@hellospeechpathology.com.au). Please note that I may charge a reasonable fee to cover the costs associated with providing you access.

Data quality
I am committed to ensuring that your personal information is accurate, complete, and up-to-date. I will take reasonable steps to maintain the quality of the data I hold.

Data Security
I will take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, or disclosure. This includes using secure technologies such as encryption, firewalls, and controlled access procedures.

If your information is no longer needed for the purposes for which it was collected, I will securely destroy or de-identify it, unless legally required to retain it.

How I handle your personal information when you visit my website
This section explains how You Had Me at Hello Speech Pathology collects and manages your personal information when you visit my website: www.hellospeechpathology.com.au

Collection of Information
I do not collect personal information unless you provide it directly to me through an online form, email, or other communications, such as:

  • Submitting a referral

  • Sending a complaint or enquiry

Additionally, my Internet Service Provider (ISP) may collect and log certain statistical information when you visit my website, including:

  • Your computer’s IP address

  • Date and time of visit

  • Pages accessed

  • Browser type

This data is used for website performance analysis and improvement.

Cookies

A "cookie" is a small data file stored on your computer that helps our server interact with your browser. My website uses temporary cookies that are erased once you close your browser. These cookies do not collect personally identifiable information, but they help me identify your browser and ISP.

You may configure your browser to accept or reject cookies, but note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of the website.

Links to Third-Party Websites

My website may include links to third-party websites. I are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of these external sites.

Use and Disclosure
Any personal information collected through my website will be handled in accordance with this Privacy Policy. 

Complaints about Privacy Issues
If you have concerns or complaints about this Privacy Policy, or if you believe I have mishandled your information, please contact Finley using the contact details below. I will review your complaint and respond promptly.

finley@hellospeechpathology.com.au

ph: 0451 777 591

Privacy Policy