Accessing information in the public health system (under Freedom of Information (FOI))
What you can access:
- your medical record and your personal information.
- other documents. This includes records, policy statements, notices, standards, correspondence, communications etc.
What you can’t access:
- information as defined in the exemption categories listed in the FOI Act 1992 (eg generally, personal information about another person, information provided in confidence, legal advice, private business information of commercial value etc.)
Accessing your medical record or personal information:
- this service is free
- applications must be in writing
You must provide:
- an address in Australia to which notices under the FOI Act can be sent
- enough information for the requested documents to be identified
- proof of identity (for example a copy of a valid driver’s licence or birth certificate)
If your personal information is incorrect, misleading or out of date then the information can be changed. You will need to provide details of the reasons as to why the information should be changed as well as the details of the changes.
Accessing non-personal information (information not about you):
- this service costs $30
- further charges may apply
- applications must be in writing
You must provide:
- an address in Australia to which notices under the FOI Act can be sent
- enough information for the requested documents to be identified
Need help in making an application?
Department of Health Freedom of Information Coordinator — (08) 9222 6412
for information not held by a public hospital or health service
Public hospital or community health service contacts (PDF 142KB)
for information (eg medical record) held by a hospital or health service. Each hospital/health service holds a separate record of treatment at that hospital/health service.
Health Information Policy Consultant — (08) 9222 2311
for general advice relating to patient records held by DOH WA and hospitals (including closed hospitals).