In order to do this, GCH complies with the requirements of the Australian Privacy Principles as detailed in the Privacy Act 1988 and the specific Victorian requirements in relation to health information detailed in the Health Records Act 2001.
In order to do this, GCH complies with the requirements of the Australian Privacy Principles as detailed in the Privacy Act 1988 and the specific Victorian requirements in relation to health information detailed in the Health Records Act 2001.
Our policy includes information on:
GCH is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. Our commitment to child safety is detailed within our Child Safe Policy and also embedded in our Code of Conduct.
We recognise the importance of providing a safe, supporting and enriching environment which respects and fosters the rights and wellbeing of children and young people with whom we have contact.
All children, regardless of their gender identity, race, religious beliefs, age, disability, sexual orientation, family or social background, have equal rights to protection from abuse.
GCH supports and respects all children, is committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children, and those from cultural and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and to providing a safe environment for children living with a disability.
GCH is committed to minimising our environmental impacts through the active promotion of sustainable and environmental best practice.
Our Environmental Policy follows the philosophy of ‘Organisational Commitment and Responsibility to the Environment (OCRE) encouraging staff to reduce, re-use, recycle and regenerate.
Our Sustainable Purchasing Policy provides guidance on reducing the environmental impacts that result from choices made in the purchase of goods & services.
As a private company GCH is not subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 1992 however will consider any formal request for organisational information on a case-by-case basis.
A client may make a formal request for all or part of their record by completing and submitting a release of client information request form.
All requests for access to client records or other documentation should be made under the Health Records Act and all requests should be referred to the Chief Executive Officer.
We may deny requests for access in limited circumstances, in accordance with the Privacy Act. If we do this we will tell you why.
We will respond to requests for access within a reasonable period, and in the manner requested by the individual if it is reasonable to do so.
If a decision is made to not give access, an explanation of the reason for this decision will be provided, along with information on how to make a complaint.
This privacy notice outlines how we manage personal information collected by closed circuit television (CCTV) security cameras.
What we collect:
CCTV video images of people when they attend GCH sites. This includes GCH staff, clients, and other visitors. We might collect still images from the video footage. We do not use facial recognition technology.
Why we collect this:
To provide services to you in a space that is safe and secure for GCH staff, clients, and other visitors. The CCTV system is a protective security control. It is used to deter, detect, investigate and respond to security and occupational health and safety incidents.
We collect, use and disclose your personal information, including CCTV video and still images in line with:
Protecting your information:
CCTV video footage is only stored for a period before being deleted. We only share your personal information, including video or images, with your consent or where the law allows it or requires it. We might share video or images between GCH sites if there is an urgent risk because of a security incident.
You can view information we hold about you and correct it if it is wrong. You can make a complaint or give feedback on how we manage your personal information.
Grampians Community Health (GCH) is committed to operating in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, organisational policies, and recognised ethical standards. GCH is committed to upholding the increased protections under the Aged Care Act 2024 (the Act) for people who call out issues related to providing aged care services. These people are called whistleblowers.
As a provider of funded aged care services under the Act, people can report a disclosable matter to a responsible person of GCH or a GCH aged care worker.
A disclosable matter is information about a potential breach of any part of the aged care regulatory framework.
Making a Report under the Aged Care Act 2024
The Act’s increased protections ensure that older people, people close to them (including family and carers) and aged care workers, can report information without fear of being punished or treated negatively. People with a concern about funded aged care services can make a report to:
The report can be made in person, over the phone or in writing. It can also be made anonymously. The report can be made about a person who has not followed the aged care law. It could also be more broadly about an organisation that has not followed the aged care law.
People making a disclosure will have their identities or identifying information protected, with some exceptions. Those exceptions include where it is necessary to share information with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) or a lawyer, or to prevent a serious threat to a person or people.
Decisions about the amount clients pay for GCH services are based on equity and the ability to pay. Client service agreements meet relevant standards and legislation. That includes NDIS, Support at Home, and Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
Not all programs and services have a fee or contribution.
Setting Fees and Contributions
Hardship and Waiving Fees
Inability to pay will not mean someone cannot access a service. GCH has options to help people who cannot pay. This includes waiving or reducing fees. Anybody having trouble paying for services can talk to us at any time.
Clients and/or their advocates have the right to appeal against any Client Contribution arrangement.
Invoicing and Statements
GCH Finance send monthly invoices and statements. Clients are responsible for paying these promptly.
Preferred payment methods include EFTPOS or cash. Direct debit can be set up fortnightly or monthly for ongoing services.
Every relevant consumer protection under the law is upheld for GCH clients.
Non-Payment of Fees
GCH will work with clients with overdue invoices. We will discuss options, like payment plans. All reasonable attempts to come to an agreed arrangement will be made.
Re-assessment of the client’s financial situation may need to happen.
If the ability to pay is not the issue and payment is still not made, services might be suspended. GCH reserves the right to begin debt recovery action. We will explain the debt recovery process to clients and/or their advocate.
Clients will get written notice if this is to happen. Clients have the right to appeal.
Cancellation and Failure to Attend
Clients need to give us notice for cancellation as listed in service agreements.
If someone fails to attend or gives very short notice that they can’t attend a scheduled service, fees may still be charged.
GCH will not charge a fee if we have to cancel a service. We will do everything we can to let clients know as soon as possible if we have to do this.
We have a duty of care to look into safety concerns when a client fails to attend or respond to a scheduled service.
Repeated cancellations or failure to attend may result in suspension of services.
Fees may be waived if the client has something serious going on that stops them from attending or giving notice.
Learn more about our policies and your rights when you access our services – GCH Information Book
For further information or to request a copy of a policy please email gch@gch.org.au.
