In a life threatening emergency dial Triple Zero (000)

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Your information

Health records of all patients treated in our health system are retained for their benefit. You can access your own health records at any time.

All health records we create at any of our facilities are confidential documents and remain the property of Canberra Health Services. We will not release copies of your health records to a third party without your written request and consent.

We take all steps necessary to ensure the privacy of your health information is secured. However, it’s important to note that if your GP or dentist’s clinic creates and has possession or control of your medical record, they are considered the record keeper. To access medical records held by a medical practitioner you will need to contact them directly.

You can also transfer a health record when your health service provider closes, merges with another or relocates.

Your Digital Health Record

We all have a Digital Health Record (DHR) to record all of our interactions with ACT public health services. This includes Canberra’s major public hospitals, community health centres and Walk-in Centres.

Your Digital Health Record will be used and managed by your health care team at any of our clinics, health centres or hospitals. This means it will be easier and faster for your treating team to get your information and they will have more time to focus on your care. You can read more about the Digital Health Record.

Accessing your health record at Canberra Hospital, University of Canberra Hospital and community-based health services

You can make a request for record access at any time. Health records are governed by the Health Records (Privacy & Access) Act 1997 and fees apply.

We also have a Health Records Access Information sheet (PDF, 613.81 KB) about accessing your health records and the current Health record access fees (PDF, 161.39 KB).

Accessing your health record at North Canberra Hospital (previously Calvary Public Hospital Bruce)

To access your health record at North Canberra Hospital complete and sign the Patient request to access health records (PDF, 313.47 KB) form.

Return the completed form and a copy of your identification:

  • by email to CHSNCH.HIS@act.gov.au
  • in person
  • by post to Health Information Services, North Canberra Hospital, PO Box 254 Jamison Centre ACT 2614

Once the form has been received, the Health Information Manager or treating doctor will assess your request. When your request is processed (within 14 days of receipt), you will be contacted to arrange pre‑payment and nominate whether you wish to have copies posted to you or collect in person.

Once payment is received, copies will be made and available within 7 days. Identification will be verified before release of the information.

Costs

Fees are charged in accordance with the ACT Health (Fees) Determination 2023 (No.1) effective from  1 July 2023.

  1. Access to read your health care record in Health Information Services is $17.75.
  2. Electronic deliver, includes  secure messaging and via the MyDHR Portal is $17.75.
  3. Charges for copies of health care records (GST is not applicable): $48.75 processing fee for up to 50 pages, plus an additional $0.40 per page copied over 50 pages.
  4. A 50% discount applies to pensioners and DVA patients on presentation of relevant identification/card.
  5. Payment can be made by cash, cheque/money order or credit card/EFTPOS.

Supply and collection of copies

Copies are posted by Registered Mail unless you have nominated to collect in person. Copies can be collected from:

Health Information Services
Ground Floor Xavier Building
North Canberra Hospital
Cnr. Haydon Drive & Belconnen Way, Bruce ACT

Please bring a form of identification eg driver’s license, if collecting copies in person.

Health Information Services is open Monday to Friday (excluding Public Holidays) from 8am to 5pm.

To contact the team call (02) 6201 6280 or fax (02) 6201 6213.

The My Health Record online system

My Health Record provides you with more access and control of your health information.

My Health Record can be accessed when you are out and about, providing summary health information from wherever you are. Over time, the amount of information available will increase as more healthcare professionals contribute to My Health Records.

Freedom of Information

The ACT Health Directorate’s Freedom of Information Unit coordinates the Freedom of Information services for Canberra Health Services.

The ACT Freedom of Information Act 2016 (the FOI Act) gives individuals the legal right to:

  • access government information unless access to the information would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest;
  • ask for personal information to be changed if it is incomplete, out-of-date, incorrect or misleading; and
  • appeal a decision about access to a document, or a decision in relation to a request to amend or annotate a personal record.

Please note you cannot obtain Health Records under the FOI Act. Health records should be requested under the ACT Health Records (Privacy and Access) Act 1997.

We have more information about Freedom of Information, including how to make an application.

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In the case of a life threatening emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).

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Contact us

Switchboard Canberra Hospital
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

Switchboard North Canberra Hospital
(02) 6201 6111

International callers
+61 (2) 6201 6111

Switchboard other hospitals and services
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

The switchboard handles all calls to, from and within the hospital 24 hours/seven days a week