Accessing information about me

 

​Freedom of Information (FOI) Requests

The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic) (FOI Act) provides a statutory right to the public to access documents held by Western Health, unless an exception or exemption applies.

A document is defined by the FOI Act as:

• any paper or other material on which there is writing or a mark, figure or symbol

• electronically stored information

• a map, a plan, a drawing or a photograph

• any article from which sounds, images or writing are capable of being produced.

Western Health Medical Records

Medical records at Western Health include information from Footscray Hospital, Sunshine Hospital (including Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s), Williamstown Hospital, Sunbury Day Hospital and Hazeldean Transition Care in Williamstown.

Western Health works in partnership with a number of organisations to provide mental health services onsite.   Mental health information is included in Western Health medical records, however if an FOI request solely relates to an applicant’s mental health information, please contact the relevant mental health service listed below.

From 1 July 2021 Western Health amalgamated with the former Djerriwarrh Health Service.  If an FOI request relates to records from Bacchus Marsh Hospital, Melton Hospital, Melton Health and Community Services, Bacchus Marsh Community Health Centre, Caroline Springs Community Health Centre or Grant Lodge Residential Aged Care please contact [email protected]. 

How to make an FOI application to Western Health

A valid request under the FOI Act must include the following:

1. an application in writing;

2. payment of the application fee of $30.10; and
   

3. be sufficiently clear to identify the documents sought.

You can download a copy of FOI Application Form 2021

Western Health has a duty to assist applicants to make a compliant request and will consult with an applicant before refusing a non-compliant request.

The application fee may be waived or reduced on request by an applicant, for example, on the basis of financial hardship. The FOI Team may request evidence of hardship to be provided, such as a health care card or concession card. 

Additional charges apply which relate to search and copy fees, which can also be waived or reduced in relevant circumstances.

A decision regarding access to documents held by Western Health under the FOI Act (Decision) is made no later than 30 days following receipt of a valid request. 

Decision review rights

Applicants have a right to challenge a Decision of an FOI Officer and a right of complaint to the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC) within 28 days of the day an applicant receives notification of the Decision.
https://ovic.vic.gov.au/

Applicants also have a right to apply to the Health Services Commissioner for conciliation where the documents requested contain health information relating to the applicant.
https://hcc.vic.gov.au/

Time of Birth Requests

The FOI Team may be able to assist with limited information and document requests on an informal basis outside the FOI Act process, for example time of birth requests (fees may still apply). Requests for time of birth information may be emailed to [email protected].

Contact 

Please telephone the FOI Team with your FOI queries from Monday to Friday between 9.00am to 5.00pm on 03 8345 6352 or email [email protected].