Privacy Policy

Dr Kath Whitton is committed to providing you with high-quality fertility care in a safe and confidential environment. This includes respecting and protecting your personal information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and in compliance with our obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information. If you have any concerns, please discuss them with us at any time.

Collection of Personal Information

We collect information necessary for your treatment and care, or as required by law. This may include:

  • Your name, contact details, and date of birth

  • Relationship status

  • Medical history and family medical history

  • Symptoms, diagnosis, and recommended treatments

  • Medicare/private health insurance details

  • Billing and account details.

We primarily collect this information directly from you. However, we may also obtain information from other health professionals, health funds, pathology services, or, with your consent, from family members.

Use and Disclosure of Personal Information

To ensure you receive the best possible fertility care, we may use and disclose your personal information for the following purposes:

  • Sharing your information with our medical and administrative team

  • Communicating with your referring or treating medical practitioners

  • Referring you to other healthcare professionals or laboratories

  • Processing Medicare and private health insurance claims

  • Managing and improving our practice, including accreditation and compliance with regulatory bodies

  • Handling complaints or incidents

  • Complying with legal obligations, including court orders or mandatory reporting

  • Submitting de-identified information to government and regulatory agencies such as the Australia and New Zealand Assisted Reproduction Database (ANZARD)

  • Providing updates about our services, where consent has been given

  • Conducting quality assurance, research, and data analysis (using de-identified data).

If you do not wish to receive marketing communications from us, you can opt out at any time.

Appointments and Third-Party Booking Systems

Appointments with Dr. Kath Whitton are booked through her private website, with all details securely transferred to IVFAustralia’s booking system. IVFAustralia manages these records in accordance with their privacy and security protocols.

Data Security and Retention

We take all reasonable steps to ensure that your personal information is:

  • Accurate, complete, and up to date.

  • Securely stored to prevent unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.

  • Retained for at least seven years in compliance with Australian healthcare regulations.

Where necessary, information may be exchanged internally via encrypted emails. If you request us to share your information with an external party, we may send this via standard email unless otherwise requested.

Access and Correction of Personal Information

You have the right to access the personal information we hold about you. In most cases, you may:

  • Request access to your records in part or full.

  • Ask for corrections if you believe your information is inaccurate or incomplete.

Requests must be made in writing, and an administrative fee may apply. Original medical records will not be erased, but corrections will be noted in your file.

Cookies and Website Tracking

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve your browsing experience. Cookies do not identify you personally but help us understand how visitors use our site. You can manage cookie settings via your browser.

Privacy Complaints and Contact Information

If you have any concerns about how your personal information is handled, please contact us directly. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may escalate your complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) or the relevant state health complaints entity.

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001
Phone: 1300 363 992
Website: www.oaic.gov.au

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website.