The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne

About Freedom of Information

The Victorian Freedom of Information Act (1982) (FOI Act) allows you to request access to your own or your child's medical record held by The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH). It is possible to obtain a copy of the medical record or to view the original record.

• How do I apply?
• How much will it cost?
• Identification
• How long will it take?
• Do I have the right to access the information?
• Can any one else request my information or my child's information?
• Medical Imaging / X-rays /Scans
• Can you send the information to my doctor? 
• What if I need the information for court? 

Downloads 

• Information sheet (PDF 45KB)
• FOI application forms (PDF 75KB)
• FOI credit card application fee (PDF 40KB)

How do I apply?

All applications must be made in writing and have enough information for us to find the correct medical record.

You can fill in an Application form (PDF 75KB) or write a letter.

• FOI applications must be in writing and include the following:
• A completed FOI application form or letter
• A photocopy of photo identification, eg drivers licence or passport.
• The application fee - except for valid Pension or Health Care Card holders

Post to:   Freedom of Information Office
              The Royal Children's Hospital
               50 Flemington Road
               PARKVILLE VIC 5052

Fax to:     9345 4088

e-Mail to: foi@rch.org.au

 

How much will it cost?

The FOI Act sets out the following fees and charges for providing access to records.

Application fee $24.40 MUST accompany the written request.
Payment by cheque / money order / credit card made payable to The Royal Children's Hospital.

If one of the following applies to you, the application fee is waived.

• Health Care Card or valid Pension card (photocopy of both sides).
• Compassionate grounds (patient deceased).
• Photographs only.

Copying charges, apply to ALL applications

• Photocopying  $0.20 per page
• Registered post fee $5.00 (depending on the size of the package) 

Photographs 

RCH does not charge the application fee when the request is soley for photographs.

Photograph prints $2.00 each (this may vary depending on the age of the photographs)
Photographs provided on CD  $20.00 (digital prints taken from April 2002 onwards)

Identification

Photo identification that shows your signature, eg a photocopy of a driver's licence or passport MUST be sent with your application.

How long will it take?

In accordance with the FOI Act, we have 45 days to make a decision in writing about your request. The 45 day period starts when we have received your written application, appropriate signed authority and application fee (or photocopy of Pension or Health Care Card).

When the medical record has been reviewed you will receive a letter informing you of our decison to release the records. The copying and postage charges will be itemised.

Please allow approximately 4 - 6 weeks for photocopying of documents after the fee is paid, depending on the number of requests being processed at the time.

Do I have the right to access the information?

The FOI Act give you the right to request access to your own or your child's medical record, subject to certain exemptions. Some information may be restricted according to the Exemptions outlined in the FOI Act. This may include information that relates to the personal affairs of a person other than the patient, or information obtained in confidence.

The hospital must take reasonable steps to be satisfied that the applicant has the "right to access" the medical records. We have a duty to protect the privacy of personal information.

The following are some situations where you may be asked to send in additional identification or information.

Requesting records where the patient is 16 yrs and over

The young person can apply themselves or written authority from the patient and identification from the patient.

Requesting your own records

If you have changed your name, such as through marriage, please send a photocopy of your marriage certificate.

Family Court Orders

We require a copy of any relevant Family Court Orders.

Requesting records of a deceased patient

Evidence that you are the next of kin, or written authority from the next of kin.

Can any one else request my information or my child's information?

Information about you or your child will only be provided to another person with your written authority.

Medical records may also be made available to another person, in accordance with due legal process, such as evidence before a court. 

Medical Imaging / X-Rays / Scans

These can be obtained directly from the Medical Imaging Department phone 9345 4634 or visit Medical Imaging Department to obtain a form

Can you send the information to my doctor?

Information can be sent directly to your doctor, this is done by our Health Information Services.  You or your doctor can contact them on 9345 6107 or fax a request to  9345 6589

What if I need the information for court?

Should you require this information urgently for Court proceedings, you should speak to your lawyer to consider issuing a subpoena for the medical records - the complete original file is sent to the court.