At Heterosexual HIV/AIDS Service (HHAS) we recognise the importance of confidentiality. Confidentiality at Pozhet means that in general, we will not discuss your personal information with outside agencies without your permission. We feel it is important that you understand confidentiality and its limitations so that you can make an informed choice about what information to provide us.
Confidentiality and the Heterosexual HIV/AIDS Service (HHAS) Service
The information you discuss with members of HHAS is held between you and the HHAS Service. The HHAS Service is part of and consults with the SSWAHS Community HIV Team. All of these individuals are bound professionally and ethically to keep your information confidential.
There are some limitations to confidentiality.
There are rare and exceptional circumstances where maintaining confidentiality may not be possible. These circumstances relate to our legal obligations and our duty of care to you and others. If we become aware of information that you or someone else is at risk of harm we may need to notify the appropriate bodies, this could include the Police, the Mental Health Crisis Team, the Public Health Unit or Medical Officers involved in your care.
If we assess that a child could be at any risk of harm, or could be placed in a situation of risk we are legally obliged to notify the Department of Community Services (DoCS). We will always attempt to ensure that we discuss this with you before we share any information about you with others.
NSW Health also has a Privacy web site that explains the policies and practices of NSW Health in respect of information privacy.
