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Privacy Policy

Last updated: February 2026

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This privacy policy explains how we handle your personal and health information. As a private midwifery practice operating in Victoria, we are committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles and the Victorian Health Privacy Principles.

1. The information we collect

To provide safe and professional care, we may collect personal and health information including: 

  • Personal details: name, date of birth, contact details, emergency contacts, Medicare and insurance details.

  • Health information: relevant medical history, pregnancy and postpartum details, and relevant reports or results you choose to share (for example, pathology or ultrasound reports).

2. Why we collect this information

We only collect information that is reasonably necessary to:

  •  Provide private midwifery services and education safely and appropriately.

  •  Assess suitability for appointments and plan your care.

  • Communicate with your nominated healthcare providers (such as your GP, hospital team, obstetrician, or other practitioners) with your consent. — Meet our legal, professional, and record-keeping obligations as a registered health practitioner.

3. How we use and share your information

Your information is kept confidential. We may use and disclose your information with your consent, where needed for your care (for example, sending a summary to your GP or referring you to another provider), or where required or authorised by law, including to relevant authorities when legally required.

 

We take particular care with sensitive information and only share it where clinically necessary, with your consent, unless we are required by law to do otherwise.

4. Storage and security

We take data security seriously. Reasonable steps are taken to protect your information, including secure storage of digital records (for example, using password protection and encryption where available) and secure storage of any paper records.

 

We retain records for the legally required period.

5. Your rights

  • Access your records: you can request access to your personal and health information at any time.

  • Request corrections: if you believe information is inaccurate, please let us know and we will update it where appropriate.

  • Withdraw consent: you may withdraw consent to certain sharing of information, noting this may affect our ability to provide services.

6. Contact us

If you have questions or wish to make a privacy complaint, please contact: Emely Howieson Email: midwifeemely@gmail.com

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