Privacy Policy
Overview
Ascend Occupational Therapy is committed to protecting your personal and health information. We comply with the:
-
Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)
-
Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW)
-
Relevant state record-keeping obligations, including secure storage, access, and disposal of client records
This policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, store and safeguard your information.
What Information We Collect
We may collect personal and health-related information, including:
-
Full name, contact details (email, phone, address)
-
Date of birth and gender
-
Medical history and health-related information for therapy services
-
Information from other healthcare professionals (with your consent)
-
Payment or billing information
-
Website usage data (via cookies and analytics)
​How We Collect Information
We collect information directly from you:
-
Via our website forms, email or phone
-
During face-to-face assessments and consultations
-
Through health professional referrals (with consent)
-
Through third-party software used to manage appointments, notes, and reports
Why We Collect Your Information
We collect and use your information to:
-
Provide occupational therapy assessments, reports, and recommendations
-
Communicate with you and/or your carers
-
Coordinate services with other providers (with consent)
-
Issue invoices, manage bookings and send service updates
-
Meet legal and reporting obligations under aged care or healthcare programs
Health Record Privacy and Management
Ascend Occupational Therapy complies with the NSW HRIP Act regarding health information. This includes:
-
Collecting only relevant health information with your consent
-
Using health information only for the purpose for which it was collected (unless required by law)
-
Allowing you to access and correct your health information
-
Storing your health records securely and disposing of them in accordance with retention laws
How We Store and Protect Your Information
We take all reasonable steps to protect your personal and health information from loss, misuse, or unauthorised access. Measures include:
-
Secure, password-protected practice management systems
-
Encrypted cloud storage for documents and clinical records
-
Regular data backups
-
Secure disposal of printed documents
Disclosure of Information
We will only disclose your information:
-
With your consent to other health professionals or care providers
-
To third-party software providers who support practice management (all under privacy contracts)
-
When legally required to disclose (e.g., court orders or legal obligations)
Website Cookies and Analytics
Our website uses cookies and Google Analytics to improve your browsing experience. These tools help us understand user interaction, but do not store identifying personal information.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy periodically. The most current version will always be available on our website.
Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about your privacy or would like to access or update your information, please contact:
Joanna Gilmour
Ascend Occupational Therapy
joanna@ascendoccupationaltherapy.com.au
0477174615
​
