Paddington Medical Centre – Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 27 July 2026

 

1. Introduction

Paddington Medical Centre (“we”, “our”, “the Practice”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, use, store and disclose your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

 

2. Why Your Consent Is Needed

By registering as a patient, you consent to our clinicians and staff accessing and using your personal information to provide you with safe, high-quality healthcare.
If we need to use your information for any purpose unrelated to your care or practice operations, we will seek your additional consent.

 

3. Why We Collect and Use Personal Information

We collect personal information to:

• Provide medical care

• Communicate with you about your health, appointments and results

• Process billings, payments and Medicare/DVA claims

• Manage practice operations, accreditation and quality improvement

• Provide digital services through AutoMed (online bookings, digital check-in, SMS reminders)

• Meet legal and public health reporting requirements.

 

4. What Information We Collect

Information may include:

• Name, date of birth, gender, address, contact details

• Medicare/DVA numbers, healthcare identifiers

• Medical history, allergies, medications, immunisations, family/social history

• Pathology and imaging results

• Clinical notes and treatment information

• Health fund details (if applicable)

• Information submitted via AutoMed.

 

5. Dealing With Us Anonymously

You may request to use a pseudonym unless this is impractical or unlawful (e.g., for Medicare claims).

 

6. How We Collect Information

We collect information:

• When you register (in person or online via AutoMed)

• During consultations and care

• Through digital health services such as eTP and My Health Record

• When you contact us via phone, SMS, email, website or social media

• From other healthcare providers, Medicare, DVA, hospitals, pathology and imaging services, or responsible guardians when necessary.

 

7. When We Share Your Information

We may share information:

• With other healthcare providers involved in your care

• With AutoMed for booking, communication or telehealth purposes

• With IT providers and accreditation bodies (who comply with the APPs)

• When required by law (court orders, public health notifications)

• If necessary to prevent serious harm

• For confidential dispute resolution

• In de-identified form for quality improvement and population health planning.

We do not share information overseas unless permitted by law or with your consent.

 

8. Will your information be used for marketing purposes? 

The practice will not use your personal information for marketing any goods or services directly to you without your express consent. If you do consent, you may opt out of direct marketing at any time by notifying the practice in writing.

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9. How is your information used to improve services?  

The practice may use your personal information to improve the quality of the services offered to patients through research, analysis of patient data for quality improvement and for training activities with the practice team.

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We may provide de-identified data to other organisations to improve population health outcomes. If we provide this information to other organisations patients cannot be identified from the information we share, the information is secure and is stored within Australia. You can let reception staff know if you do not want your de-identified information included.

 

10. How are document automation technologies used? 

Document automation is where systems use existing data to generate electronic documents relating to medical conditions and healthcare.  

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The practice uses document automation technologies to create documents such as referrals, which are sent to other healthcare providers. These documents contain only your relevant medical information. 

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These document automation technologies are used through secure medical software Best Practice. 

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All users of the medical software have their own unique user credentials and password and can only access information that is relevant to their role in the practice team. 

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The practice complies with the Australian privacy legislation and APPs to protect your information. 

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All data, both electronic and paper are stored and managed in accordance with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Privacy and managing health information guidance. 

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11. How are Artificial Intelligence (AI) Scribes used? 

The practice uses an AI scribe tool to support GPs take notes during their consultations with you. The AI scribe uses an audio recording of your consultation to generate a clinical note for your health record. The practice AI scribe service is either, Heidi, Lyrebird or Dragon Dictation. The practice and practitioner will get your consent prior to the practitioner using these.

• does not share information outside of Australia 

• destroys the audio file once the transcription is complete. 

• retains sensitive, personal identifying information as part of the transcription  

 

The practice will only use data from our digital scribe service to provide healthcare to you. 

 

12. How is your personal information stored and protected? 

Your information is stored electronically on secure, password-protected systems.
Only authorised staff who have signed confidentiality agreements can access medical records.

Data collected or transferred through AutoMed and Care GP is encrypted and handled in accordance with Australian privacy standards.

 

13. Accessing or Correcting Your Information

You may request access to your medical record by submitting a written request (forms available at reception).
We respond within 30 days. Fees may apply for copies.

To request a correction, please contact the Practice Manager:
📬 PO Box 269, Paddington QLD 4064
📧 reception@padmed.net

 

14. Making a Privacy Complaint

We take all privacy concerns seriously.
Submit complaints in writing to:

Practice Manager
PO Box 269, Paddington QLD 4064
Email: reception@padmed.net

If unresolved, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):
Phone: 1300 363 992

Website: oaic.gov.au

 

15. Privacy and Our Website

• We use Google Analytics to gather anonymous usage data.

• Our website uses cookies; you may disable them via your browser.

• We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external links.

• Email is not encrypted; please avoid emailing sensitive information.

 

16. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed regularly. The latest version will always be available on our website and at reception.