Privacy at Hauora Hokianga
When you access services at Hauora Hokianga, we may ask you to provide personal information. This can include details about your health, such as illnesses, injuries, symptoms, and information about care you’ve received from other health providers.
We collect this information so we can provide you with safe, appropriate, and effective healthcare.
How we protect your privacy
In line with the Health Information Privacy Code, Hauora Hokianga is committed to respecting and protecting your privacy. We do this by:
- Collecting only the information we need
- Collecting information directly from you whenever possible
- Keeping your information secure and confidential
- Making sure your information is accurate and up to date before using it
- Allowing you to access your personal health information
If you believe any information, we hold about you is incorrect, we will take steps to correct it. If we believe the information is already correct, you have the right to ask for your concerns to be recorded alongside your records.
To avoid mistakes or misunderstandings, different staff members may sometimes ask you similar questions.
Who can access your information
Your information may be shared with:
- Relevant Hauora Hokianga staff
- Other health professionals involved in your care (such as specialists)
- People or agencies with a legal entitlement to receive it
If you have concerns about who can access your information, please speak with a staff member.
National Health Index (NHI)
As a New Zealand resident, you are assigned a unique National Health Index (NHI) number. This number helps health providers correctly identify you, especially where people may have similar names.
Your NHI is used only for healthcare purposes and is not shared with organisations or individuals outside the health system.
When information may be shared by law
In certain situations, the law requires or allows us to share information to protect your safety or the safety of others, or to meet public health requirements.