I take your privacy very seriously and am committed to protecting the personal, financial and health information you share with me.
This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, store, and disclose your information in compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

When you engage with me as a client, I collect your personal and health information to provide you with the best care and to manage my practice effectively.
If I need to use your information for any purpose other than this, I will ask for your consent.

This Privacy Policy explains:

• The types of personal and health information I collect

• How I use, store, and protect your data

• Your rights to access and amend your information

• How to make a complaint if you believe your privacy has been breached

Definitions

• Personal Information: Information that can identify you, such as your name, contact details, and medical history.

• Health Information: A subset of personal information that includes details about your and/or your child's health, treatments, and services provided to you and/or your child.

• Financial information: Information used for making payments and claims such as your credit card information, bank account details and insurance information.

Collection of Financial Information

I may collect financial information from you in order to pay for services, or to make claims on your behalf. This may include credit card information, bank account details, details regarding your Private Health insurance if applicable and Medicare card and claim details. I will not use or disclose your financial information for purposes other than those for which it was collected, unless you consent or I am legally required to do so.

Collection of Personal Information

I collect personal information that is necessary to provide midwifery and lactation services. This includes your contact details, medical history, family background, previous treatments, lifestyle factors, and any other relevant information to ensure you receive appropriate care. If I provide lactation support, I may also collect information related to your breastfeeding journey and your baby’s health. I collect your personal information directly from you, typically through forms, consultations, or communications. In some cases, I may collect personal information from other healthcare providers with your consent.

You have the right to remain anonymous or provide a pseudonym unless it is impractical or legally required for me to identify you.

How I Use Your Personal Information

I use your personal information for the following purposes:

• To provide you with midwifery and lactation consulting services

• To manage your healthcare needs and my practice (including scheduling, billing, and record-keeping)

• To communicate with you about your care and health progress

• For administrative purposes, including training and improving services

• To comply with legal obligations

I will not use or disclose your personal information for purposes other than those for which it was collected, unless you consent or I am legally required to do so.

Disclosure of Your Personal Information

I may share your personal information with the following entities, but only as necessary to provide you with care, for the purpose of secure record-keeping or to manage my practice:

• Healthcare providers who are involved in your care, such as midwives, nurses, doctors and hospitals

• Health insurance providers, Medicare, or other government departments if required

• My staff, contractors, or other service providers who assist in providing services (e.g., administration, IT providers, billing services, APP compliant software)

• Legal or regulatory authorities if required by law (e.g., in the event of a subpoena or legal dispute)

If you prefer that I do not disclose your information to certain people or organizations, please let me know, and I will respect your preferences as much as possible.

Data Storage, Quality, and Security

I take the security of your personal, financial and health information very seriously. All personal and health information is stored securely in an electronic medical records system, which is protected by encryption and secure access protocols. I do not share your personal information with any overseas entities. I use clinical record software stored on Australian-based servers with regular backups that comply with Australian Privacy Principles. I do not keep hard copies of your personal information. While I take all reasonable steps to protect your information, please be aware that no online data transfer is completely secure. By interacting with me online, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk.

Destroying Your Personal Information

Once your personal information is no longer required for my practice purposes or by law, I will securely destroy your records. I do not retain physical copies of your information; everything is stored electronically in a secure, encrypted system. Paper records are securely destroyed once they are entered into the system.

Accessing and Amending Your Information

You have the right to access the personal information I hold about you. If you believe any of the information I hold is incorrect or incomplete, you may request that I correct it.To request access or amendments, please contact me directly. I will respond to your request promptly and may charge a fee for the costs of providing access in certain circumstances.

Complaints

If you believe I have breached your privacy or mishandled your personal information, please contact me so I can investigate and resolve the issue. I will acknowledge your complaint within 10 business days and aim to provide a resolution as soon as possible. If you are unsatisfied with the outcome, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

Changes to This Privacy Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If there are significant changes, I will notify you by posting the updated policy here to my website or by contacting you directly.

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please feel free to contact me:

Keryn Thompson at Itty Bitty Bub
Email: keryn@ittybittybub.com.au
Address: 8 Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista NSW 2153