We are committed to protecting the privacy of patient information we collect and to handling your personal information in a responsible manner in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles, cyber security legislation and relevant state and territory privacy legislation (referred to as privacy legislation). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use and disclose your personal information, how you may access that information and how you may seek the correction of any information. It also explains how you may make a complaint if you are concerned there has been a breach of privacy legislation. From time to time we may make changes to our policy, processes and systems relating to how we handle your personal information. We will update this Privacy Policy to reflect any changes. Those changes will be available on our website and in the practice. This Privacy Policy also addresses the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies within our practice.
When you first attend the practice of Dr Imogen Patterson, we will ask you to provide information (for example, contact details) and also ask you to confirm you consent to the collection of your information. This means that you are providing consent for the practitioners and staff to gather, access and use your personal health information to facilitate the delivery of healthcare to you. Your personal information will only be accessed by practitioners and staff who need to do so for the purpose providing healthcare to you. We will seek your express consent before using your information for any purpose not directly related to your healthcare.
We collect personal and sensitive health information that is necessary for the provision of healthcare. This may include, but is not limited to:
We primarily collect information directly from patients. In certain circumstances, and with appropriate authority, we may also obtain information from third parties such as other treating practitioners, hospitals, or diagnostic service providers and the My Health Record.
CCTV footage: Collected from our premises for security and safety purposes.
Clinical images: From time to time, we may also take photographs or images with your consent obtained at the time, including on a personal device.
Website use: When you visit our website, we collect information through cookies, tracking technologies and other technologies. This information is used to enable core website functionality, monitor site performance, improve user experience, and ensure the security and integrity of the website.
In some circumstances, personal information may also be collected from other sources, including:
This may be personal information, as you will be identified or reasonably identifiable, and this information will be treated as personal information under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
We may use or disclose your personal and health information for the following purposes:
We will communicate with or about you using the following methods including, but not limited to, SMS/text messaging, email, secure messaging, encrypted messages. This may include your personal and health information. We do not disclose personal information to overseas recipients unless it is necessary for the provision of care and appropriate safeguards are in place, in accordance with Australian Privacy Principle 8.
We are committed to continuously improving the quality of our services and supporting clinical education. We may use your information in the following ways: Quality Improvement and Staff Education We may use patient information for internal audits, staff training, clinical review, and accreditation activities, de-identified where practicable. These processes help ensure we maintain high standards of care and safety. Research From time to time, we may participate in health research projects. If identifiable information is required, we will seek your express consent before sharing your data. You may be contacted by a member of our team to discuss a research opportunity, but you will never be contacted directly by researchers unless you have provided consent. We will only provide identifiable information for research if the project has appropriate ethics approval and meets legal and privacy requirements. De-identified Data Sharing We may contribute de-identified health data to health improvement initiatives or registries. This data cannot identify you and is stored securely. If you do not want your data included in these de-identified datasets, please inform our reception staff. Marketing We will not use your personal information to market goods or services directly to you without your express consent. If you do provide consent, you may opt out of receiving marketing communications at any time by notifying us in writing or using the unsubscribe function.
The practice of Dr Imogen Patterson may use AI technologies to enhance clinical decision-making, streamline administrative processes, and improve patient engagement. Examples of AI applications include:
Governance of AI Use:
The APPs provide for individuals to be dealt with anonymously or under a pseudonym, except where impracticable or where the law requires individuals to be identifiable. Please raise this with us if you wish to remain anonymous or use a pseudonym when interacting with our practice and we will consider your request. However, given the nature and requirements of providing healthcare, if impractical or required by law we will require you to be identifiable.
We will take reasonable steps to ensure your personal information is accurate, complete, up to date and relevant. We implement robust technical and administrative measures to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss and unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. These measures include:
Information is retained in accordance with applicable legal and professional obligations. Information no longer required for the purposes it was collected and the minimum period for retention has passed, will be destroyed in a safe and responsible manner as required under privacy legislation.
You have the right to access your personal information. To request access or corrections, please contact our Privacy Officer in writing. We will respond within 60 days. A fee may apply to cover administrative costs (but you will not be charged for making the request). We will respond to such requests in accordance with applicable privacy principles and legislation.
If you have any questions or concerns about how your personal information is handled or want to request access to or correction of your information, please contact:
Name: Privacy Officer
Practice name: Dr Imogen Patterson
Postal address: PO Box 157 Cammeray NSW 2062
Phone: 02 9055 5406
Email: admin@drimogenpatterson.com.au
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC): Website: www.oaic.gov.au Phone: 1300 363 992
This document was updated on 26th June 2026. We review this privacy policy at least annually, or when there are changes to operations, legislation, or relevant technology. Significant changes may be communicated to patients via email, in the practice, or on our website.
