Privacy

The Lort Smith Animal Hospital recognises the rights of its employees, supporters and clients to Privacy. This policy document represents the organisation's commitment to respecting the rights of the individual with regard to privacy considerations and puts in place procedures to ensure that such rights are respected. The policy identifies those rights and the organisation's obligations to members, employees, volunteers, the community, and government.

Introduction

Lort Smith Animal Hospital is committed to complying with the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000, which was enacted on 21 December 2001 .

This privacy policy covers all personal information we hold about an individual, whose identity is apparent, or can be reasonably ascertained. This includes information we have collected from people at the Hospital, over the phone and over the Internet.

This policy also covers personal information that we have sourced from third parties.

Collecting Information

When we collect personal information from an individual, we will ensure that we do so in a fair manner. We will also let the individual know where and how to contact our organisation. We will only collect information that is necessary for one or more of our functions or activities.

Whenever we collect personal information from third parties, we will take reasonable steps to advise that individual as soon as practicable.

We will advise individuals of the purpose for which their personal information is collected, and of those third parties to whom their information will be disclosed.

If we collect sensitive information (as defined under the Privacy Act) we will treat it with the utmost security and confidentiality. This means that we can only collect the information for a particular purpose with your permission.

Where an individual chooses not to provide their personal details, we will advise that individual of what impact this non-disclosure may have. For example, withholding certain information may limit our ability to market relevant offers or services to individuals.

Disclosing Information

We will only disclose personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act.

We will only disclose personal information under the following circumstances:

•  for the purposes for which we have advised that we are collecting it, and for related purposes that the individual would reasonably expect,

•  where we have the consent of the individual to do so,

•  as required by law, or

•  under other circumstances where permitted under the Privacy Act.

Unauthorised Disclosure or Access

As the Lort Smith Animal Hospital is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals, we will view unauthorised disclosure of, or access to, personal information by our employees, contractors or agents, as a serious breach of this policy. Appropriate action (which may include disciplinary or legal action) may be taken in such cases.

Opt-Out

At any time, individuals can choose not to receive direct marketing communication.

We will offer them a free method of contact to opt-out of these communications.

Access to Personal Information

Individuals will be able to access their personal information upon request. To do this the individual must provide us with certain information, so that we can properly trace what personal details we hold.

Security

Our goal is to ensure the protection of the personal information that we collect. Personal information will be managed confidentially and securely and destroyed appropriately when no longer required.

We will monitor and implement appropriate technical advances or management processes, so as to safeguard personal information.

Data Quality

We will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the data we collect, use or disclose is accurate, complete and up to date, and has been obtained directly from individuals or other reputable sources.

We will ensure that marketing communication campaigns are regularly checked against our opt-out register.

Privacy Inquiries

Privacy inquires or concerns can be directed to our General Manager on 9328.3021.

Review of Privacy Policy

This policy will be reviewed from time to time based on feedback from our clients and supporters, and any changes in the Privacy Act.

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