Sunset Coast Chiropractic is committed to providing quality care to you, and this policy sets out our ongoing obligations regarding how we handle your Personal Information.

We follow the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). These principles govern how we collect, use, disclose, store, secure and dispose of your Personal Information. A copy of the Australian Privacy Principles is available from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at www.oaic.gov.au.

What is Personal Information and why do we collect it?

Where appropriate and possible, we will explain to you why we are collecting your information and how we intend to use it. Personal Information is information or an opinion that identifies an individual. Examples of what we may collect include:

• Your name, address, phone number and email
• Your date of birth
• Your Medicare details and any related card numbers (Health Care Card, private health fund, etc.)
• Information relevant to your health, both current and past, including medications
• Relevant family medical history
• Your occupation or work history, where relevant to your care
• Medical reports, referral letters and test results
• Any other information you provide, or that we receive from third parties

This information may be collected in person, over the phone, by email, through our website, via cookies, or from third parties. We do not guarantee the content or privacy practices of external websites we may link to.

We collect your Personal Information primarily to provide chiropractic and health services to you. We may also use it for closely related secondary purposes that you would reasonably expect. You may unsubscribe from our mailing or marketing lists at any time by contacting us or using the unsubscribe option in our communications.

Your records are stored securely within our practice management and booking system while you are an active patient. If you choose not to continue care with us, your file may be archived. In line with health record regulations, we retain records for the period required by law. All data is password protected and accessible only by authorised staff, who are bound by confidentiality obligations.

How do we collect your Personal Information?

We generally collect your Personal Information directly from you when you:

• Speak with us over the phone
• Interact with us in person
• Contact us online
• Take part in surveys or questionnaires
• Subscribe to our mailing list
• Apply for a position with us
• Book an appointment through our online booking system

Sensitive Information

Under the Privacy Act, sensitive information includes details such as a person’s racial or ethnic origin, political or religious beliefs, memberships, criminal record or health information. We will only use sensitive information:

• For the primary purpose for which it was collected
• For a directly related secondary purpose
• With your consent, or where required or authorised by law

Third Parties

Wherever reasonable and practical, we collect your Personal Information directly from you. In some cases we may receive information about you from a third party. Where this happens, we will take reasonable steps to make you aware of that information.

Disclosure of Personal Information

Your Personal Information may be disclosed where you have consented to the disclosure, or where required or authorised by law.

Security of Personal Information

Your Personal Information is stored in a way that reasonably protects it from misuse, loss and unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. When it is no longer needed for the purpose it was collected, we will take reasonable steps to destroy or permanently de-identify it, subject to the record-keeping periods required by law.

Access to your Personal Information

You may request access to the Personal Information we hold about you and ask us to update or correct it, subject to certain exceptions. To do so, please contact us in writing. We do not charge a fee for an access request, though an administrative fee may apply for providing a copy. We may require identification before releasing any information.

Maintaining the Quality of your Personal Information

Keeping your information accurate and current is important to us. We take reasonable steps to ensure it is correct and up to date. If any of your details change or are inaccurate, please let us know as soon as possible so we can update our records.

Our Policy for Children

We are committed to protecting the privacy of children. We only collect the personal information of children under 16 with the signed consent of a parent or guardian.

Cookies

Our website uses cookies — small files of letters and numbers stored on your device with your permission. These help us recognise returning visitors and improve your browsing experience. We do not use cookies to personally identify you. You can adjust your browser settings to block or remove cookies, though this may affect how our website functions.

Website Analytics

Our website uses Google Analytics to help us understand visitor activity so we can improve our services. This data is largely anonymous, though in certain circumstances it may be connected to you.

Direct Marketing

Where you have requested or consented to receive them, we may send you communications about our services, offers or events. These may be sent by mail, SMS or email, in line with applicable laws including the Spam Act 2003 (Cth). You can opt out of marketing communications at any time using the unsubscribe option or by contacting us directly.

Social Media & Messaging Services

We maintain a presence on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Please be aware that connecting with us on social media may make your association with our practice part of the public record. We may use your information on these platforms to share information about our services, offers or events, and may confirm appointment times via messaging or SMS. We will not discuss or collect your health information through social media or messaging services.

Policy Updates

This policy may be updated from time to time and the current version is always available on our website. Continued use of our website indicates your acceptance of any changes. If you do not agree with this policy, please discontinue use of the site.

Complaints and Enquiries

If you have any questions or complaints about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

Sunset Coast Chiropractic Clinic 7/925 Wanneroo Road Wanneroo, WA 6065 Australia

08 9306 4949

 info@sunsetcoastchiropractic.com