Beechhealth & Co Pty Limited trading as Beech Health is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in accordance with Australian privacy law, NSW health legislation and all regulatory requirements under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law. This policy outlines how your information is collected, used, stored and disclosed.
By accessing our services, booking appointments, submitting forms or visiting our website you consent to the collection and handling of your personal information as described in this policy.
Legal and regulatory framework
Beech Health complies with the following legislation and regulatory standards
- Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
- Australian Privacy Principles
- Health Records and Information
- Privacy Act 2002 (NSW)
- Health Practitioner Regulation
- National Law
- AHPRA advertising and professional conduct obligations
What personal information we collect
We may collect the following information where reasonably necessary for healthcare delivery and clinic administration
- Full name
- Address
- Date of birth
- Contact details including phone number and email
- Health information relevant to your care
- Referral details where applicable
- Appointment history
- Clinical notes
- Billing and payment information
- Correspondence with the clinic
- Information submitted via website forms
Health information is classified as sensitive information under Australian law and receives a higher standard of protection.
How we collect your information
Your information may be collected through
- Online booking systems
- The New Patient Special form
- In person consultations
- Phone and email communication
- Referral documentation
- Secure digital systems used by the clinic
Where the patient is a minor personal information may be collected from a parent or legal guardian.
Why we collect your information
Your personal information is collected so we can
- Deliver osteopathic services
- Maintain accurate health records
- Communicate with you about appointments and care
- Manage billing and payment processing
- Meet legal and professional obligations
- Ensure continuity and quality of care
Without this information we may not be able to provide healthcare services effectively.
Use of Cliniko
Beech Health uses Cliniko as its clinical practice management system. Cliniko is an Australian based healthcare software provider that stores
- Patient demographic information
- Clinical notes
- Appointment records
- Invoices and receipts
Cliniko applies industry standard encryption and security safeguards. Access to records is limited to authorised staff only. Data is stored on secure servers in accordance with Australian privacy and healthcare data standards.
Disclosure of your information
Your information may only be disclosed when
- You have provided consent
- It is required for your continuing care such as communication with another healthcare provider
- It is required by law such as court orders or regulatory audits
- It is necessary to prevent a serious threat to life health or safety
We do not sell rent or trade your personal information. We do not knowingly disclose personal information to overseas recipients. If overseas disclosure is ever required it will only occur in accordance with Australian privacy law and with appropriate safeguards in place.
NSW health information obligations
As a healthcare provider in NSW we comply with the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002. This includes additional protections for
- Storage of clinical records
- Access to your health records
- Limits on disclosure of health information
- Mandatory record retention requirements
Security of your information
We take reasonable steps to safeguard your information including
- Secure digital record systems
- Password protected software
- Restricted staff access
- Controlled physical access for any paper records
- Ongoing system security monitoring
In the event of a data breach that is likely to result in serious harm to an individual we will comply with the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme under the Privacy Act. Affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner will be notified as soon as practicable.
Access and correction rights
Under Australian law you have the right to
- Access your personal information
- Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information
- Receive an explanation of how your data is being used
We do not charge a fee for access requests. An administrative fee may apply for the provision of physical or electronic copies.
Requests must be made in writing and we may require identity verification before releasing information.
Direct communication
By providing your contact details you consent to Beech Health contacting you regarding
- Appointments
- Clinical care
- Reminders
- Administrative matters
You may opt out of non essential communications at any time by contacting the clinic.
Website data and cookies
Our website may use basic analytics tools to improve performance and user experience. These tools may collect
- IP address
- Browser type
- Pages visited
- Time spent on the site
This data is anonymous and does not identify you personally.
New Patient Special privacy notice
If you submit information through the New Patient Special form your details are collected solely for booking and communication purposes. Offer valid for new patients only. Standard consultation terms apply. Submission of the form does not guarantee appointment availability. All standard consent and privacy obligations apply once you become a patient of the clinic.
Record retention
Health records are retained for the period required under NSW and Australian law. Adult records are retained for a minimum of seven years from the date of last entry. Child records are retained until the patient reaches the age of 25 or as otherwise required by legislation. When personal information is no longer required it will be securely destroyed or permanently de-identified in accordance with legal and professional obligations.
AHPRA and professional obligations
Beech Health practitioners are registered with AHPRA and are legally required to
- Maintain accurate clinical records
- Protect patient confidentiality
- Only disclose information in accordance with law
- Act in accordance with published codes of conduct and advertising guidelines
Privacy Officer
Beech Health has appointed a Privacy Officer to oversee compliance with this policy. All privacy enquiries may be directed to Renae Luton Director
- enquiries@beechhealth.com.au
- 02 4965 5125
Complaints and concerns
If you have concerns regarding how your information is handled you may contact Beech Health directly. We will investigate your concern promptly. If you remain dissatisfied you may lodge a complaint with
- Office of the Australian
- Information Commissioner
NSW Health Privacy Unit
Contact details
Beech Health LTD PTY
3 / 6 Alma Road New Lambton NSW 2305
Phone: 02 4965 5125
Email: enquiries@beechhealth.com.au