Privacy

Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) recognizes that the personal information of our patients must be treated with respect, confidentiality, and sensitivity. We are committed to protecting the privacy of information under our custody and control in accordance with Ontario’s privacy legislation, including the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).

Our Privacy Office supports a culture of privacy across the organization and works with staff, physicians, patients, and families to ensure the safe and secure handling of personal information.

Collecting, Using and Disclosing Your Personal Health Information

When you receive care at SMH, we collect personal health information (PHI) and personal information (PI) to provide you with healthcare and support your care.

This information may include your name, date of birth, address, health history, and records of your visits and treatment.
We collect this information directly from you whenever possible, or from someone authorized to provide it on your behalf. We only collect the information necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it is required.

In accordance with PHIPA, we may use your information to:

• Provide and coordinate your care
• Maintain a record of your treatment
• Obtain payment for services (e.g., OHIP, WSIB)
• Plan, administer, and manage hospital operations
• Conduct quality improvement and patient safety activities
• Improve services (e.g., patient satisfaction surveys)
• Support teaching and research (with appropriate approvals)
• Compile statistics
• Support fundraising activities (name and address only)
• Coordinate care with other healthcare providers, including through electronic health systems
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Fulfill other purposes permitted or required by law

Disclosure of Your Information

SMH may share your information, as permitted or required by law, with:

• Other healthcare providers involved in your care
• Provincial electronic health record systems and eHealth initiatives
• The Ministry of Health and related programs
• Approved health system organizations and agencies
• Researchers (with approval from a Research Ethics Board)
• Public health authorities for reporting purposes
• The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
• Law enforcement, when required by warrant, subpoena, or law
• The Children’s Aid Society
• The Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee
• The Coroner’s Office

Your Information; Your Choice

You have the right to make choices about how your personal health information is used and shared.
Where your consent is required, you may withdraw or withhold it, subject to legal or contractual restrictions.
Unless you tell us otherwise, we may:

• Inform visitors or callers that you are a patient and provide your general location and condition
• Share your information with healthcare providers involved in your care
• Include your information in provincial electronic health systems
• Provide your name, location, and religious affiliation to spiritual care providers (if you have shared this information)
• Use your information for quality improvement initiatives such as patient surveys
• Share your name and mailing address with the SMH Foundation for fundraising purposes

If you wish to limit or withdraw your consent for any of these uses, please contact us.

Your Privacy Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal health information
• Request corrections to your information
• Ask questions about how your information is handled
• Make a complaint about privacy practices

Contact Us

For more information about privacy at Stevenson Memorial Hospital, or to make a request or raise a concern, please contact:

Privacy Office
Stevenson Memorial Hospital
705-435-3377 ext. 3435
Privacy@smhosp.on.ca