Privacy is important for several reasons, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining individuals' rights, autonomy, and well-being. Here are some key reasons why privacy is considered important: 1. **Individual Autonomy:** Privacy empowers individuals to have control over their personal information, allowing them to make informed choices about what details they share and with whom. This autonomy is fundamental to personal freedom and decision-making. 2. **Personal Security:** Protecting one's personal information helps prevent identity theft, fraud, and other malicious activities. Without privacy, individuals may be vulnerable to various forms of exploitation, compromising their safety and security. 3. **Trust in Relationships:** Privacy is essential for establishing and maintaining trust in personal and professional relationships. People are more likely to share sensitive information when they trust that it will be kept confidential. 4. **Personal Space:** Privacy provides individuals with the necessary space to reflect, unwind, and be themselves without constant scrutiny. It contributes to mental well-being by allowing people to maintain boundaries and manage stress. 5. **Freedom of Expression:** Privacy supports freedom of expression by creating a safe environment for individuals to express their thoughts, opinions, and beliefs without fear of unwarranted consequences or judgment. 6. **Human Dignity:** Respecting privacy is a way of acknowledging and preserving an individual's dignity. It recognises that everyone has a right to keep certain aspects of their lives private, promoting a sense of self-worth and respect. 7. **Ethical Considerations:** Respecting privacy is a fundamental ethical principle. It aligns with values such as integrity, honesty, and fairness. Violating someone's privacy is often considered unethical and can lead to legal consequences. 8. **Innovation and Creativity:** Privacy fosters an environment where individuals feel free to explore new ideas and take risks without the fear of constant scrutiny. This environment is conducive to innovation and creativity. 9. **Legal Protections:** Many legal systems recognise the importance of privacy and have enacted laws to protect individuals from unwarranted invasions of privacy. These laws provide a framework for seeking justice in case of privacy breaches. 10. **Data Protection:** In the digital age, where vast amounts of personal data are collected and stored, privacy is crucial for safeguarding individuals against unauthorised access, data breaches, and misuse of their information. In summary, privacy is a fundamental human right that contributes to individual freedom, security, and overall well-being. Respecting and protecting privacy is not only ethically sound but also essential for maintaining trust in various societal contexts.
In compliance with the Privacy Act (1988), all information collected at Weight & Metabolic Solutions Australia is treated as ‘sensitive information.’ To safeguard your privacy, this practice operates in accordance with the act. The information you provide is utilised to manage your healthcare, and you can contribute to maintaining its accuracy by notifying the practice of changes to your address, phone number, etc.
The information collected is handled confidentially and is accessible only to those who require it for your treatment support. As an interdisciplinary team, we collaborate closely, and the information is retained for documenting session details, enabling the treating practitioner, allied health clinician to conduct relevant and informed sessions. You have the right to request and review your information unless legislation dictates otherwise, and your treating practitioner will guide you on the appropriate way to access it.
Selected information may be shared or acquired by various other health services involved in supporting your healthcare management (e.g., Pathology, Radiology, Hospitals, or other doctors and specialists).
If you have any inquiries about managing your personal health information or need to arrange access to your records, please consult the staff or your doctor, as appropriate.
Psychological and Hypnotherapy Service
To provide a psychological and hypnotherapy service, Weight & Metabolic Solutions Australia needs to collect and record relevant personal information from you, including your name, contact information, medical history, and other pertinent details as part of the assessment and treatment process.
Confidentiality
Rest assured that all information shared during consultations is strictly confidential. Only the assigned practitioner can access your session notes, while our administration staff view information solely for supporting you with bookings. With the exception of specific circumstances outlined below, no information may be released without written consent from you or your guardian.
These special circumstances include:
1. Court orders requiring the release of client information for legal purposes.
2. Failing to disclose the information would pose serious or imminent risk to you or another person.
3. Treating practitioners seeking peer support from other practitioners or supervision from a senior psychologist to provide the best service.
4. Prior approval obtained to provide a written report to another agency (e.g., GP, Lawyer) or discuss material with another person (e.g., parent, employer, teacher).
5. If disclosure is required by law.
Note that if you’ve been referred by a medical professional for a Government-funded intervention (such as a Mental Health Plan), it is standard practice to provide written reports detailing limited information about your progress with the authorised treatment.
