Protecting Your Privacy
In 2004, the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) came into effect. PHIPA is Ontario’s health-specific legislation that governs the manner in which personal health information (PHI) may be collected, used, disclosed, retained and disposed of within our health care system. PHIPA also protects a patient’s right to access their own personal health information, subject to certain limitations, and request a correction of their PHI. All hospitals are required to follow the rules set out in the PHIPA.
In 2012, hospitals within Ontario were identified as “institutions” under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).
The Timmins and District Hospital (TADH) is a Health Information Custodian (HIC) under both PHIPA and FIPPA. Safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of personal and personal health information remains one of our highest priorities.
Hospital Privacy Program
The TADH collects, uses, discloses and retains PHI to:
- Provide you with care
- Monitor and evaluate the quality of care we provide you
- Administer and manage the operations of the hospital
- Research, educate and collect statistics
- Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
Access and Correction
The TADH has an electronic and paper copy of your health record. There are other health-care providers outside of TADH who can access your electronic health record, but they or their team must be involved in your care and they must sign an agreement with the TADH.
You may obtain access to, or request a correction of your personal health information by contacting the Health Records Department.
Safeguards
We take steps to protect your personal health information from theft, loss and unauthorized access, copying, modification, use, disclosure and disposal. We conduct regular audits and complete investigations to monitor and manage our privacy compliance. We take steps to ensure that everyone who performs services for us protects your privacy and only uses your personal health information for the purposes you have consented to.
Confidentiality Status
Unless you tell us differently, we may let visitors or callers know your location in the hospital and your general health status. If you do not want anyone to know you are in hospital, you, or your substitute decision-maker on your behalf, may request that a Confidentiality Status be placed in your patient registration system.
Warning Flag
If you have concerns about your personal health information being accessed inappropriately, you can request that a Warning Flag be placed on your personal health information in the TADH’s electronic health record system. Accesses to files with a Warning Flag are investigated.
Website Policy
At the TADH, we are committed to protecting the privacy of visitors to our website. This website policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you visit or interact with our website.
Information we Collect
We may collect personal information when you:
- Complete a form or submit inquiries through the website
- Subscribe to email updates or newsletters
- Use interactive features such as online services or eCards
This information may include your name, email address, phone number, or any other details you voluntarily provide. We also collect non-personal information such as:
- Browser type and operating system
- IP address and geographic location
- Pages visited and time spent on the site
How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Respond to inquiries and provide requested services
- Improve website functionality and user experience
- Analyze website traffic and performance
We do not sell, trade, or share your personal information with third parties, except as required by law or to provide requested services.
Cookies & Tracking Technologies
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us remember your preferences. You can modify your browser settings to manage or disable cookies.
Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites for your convenience. The TADH is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.
Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Contact Us
This website policy may be updated periodically. Please check this page regularly for any changes. If you have questions or concerns about our website privacy practices, please contact us.
