Appointments can be made by telephone, in person, or on line via our web site www.drsmorningsidecom.au, or via email reception@drsmorningside.com.au.   Appointments made electronically will be confirmed via a phone call from our receptionists.

Standard appointments are 15 minutes in duration, however if you require a longer appointment, please let our reception team know. Emergencies will always be given priority and our reception staff will attempt to contact you if any unforeseen delays occur. If you or a family member require an interpreter service, we can organize this for you. Walk in appointments also available.

Family Care Medical Services is our after hours provider. If you require a doctor between 6 pm – 7:30 am, please phone 137 425.

Home visits are available at each Doctor’s discretion for regular patients of this practice, whose condition prevents them from attending our surgery.

Doctors in this practice may be contacted during our open hours. If the GP is with a patient, a message will be taken and the reception staff will advise you when it is likely the GP will return your call. In an emergency your call will always be put through to the Practice Nurse. Electronic correspondence will be passed on to the Doctor and they will respond as they are able. Appointments made electronically will be confirmed via a phone call from our receptionists.

Our practice is committed to preventative health care. Your Doctor will seek your permission to be included on our reminder system. We may issue you with a reminder notice from time to time offering you preventative health services appropriate to your health care. We also participate in the National State Territory System (NST).
If you do not wish to be part of these systems, please let your doctor or Receptionist/Practice Nurse know.

Patients are encouraged to actively participate in their health care decisions. If you do not understand what the doctor has explained to you about your health care or treatment plan, then please ask them to explain further. You can also enquire about possible costs involved in referrals to specialists and also for any investigations such as scans. These costs may depend on private health insurance cover.

Referrals to other health care professionals such as specialists or pathology or imaging services will be undertaken with your preferred provider. If you do not have a preferred provider then your doctor will suggest one for you. Information regarding allied health care is available in the waiting room. Your personal details such as address and phone number are included in referrals to specialists and other health care professionals. These referrals can be either electronic or paper based and a copy will be kept in your medical file.

If you have any issues we would like to hear about it. Please feel free to talk to your Doctor or our Practice Manager. You may prefer to write to us. Please address your letter to:

Attention: Lisa – Practice Manager. PO Box 619, Morningside, Qld, 4170.

You are also entitled to contact:
THE OFFICE OF THE HEALTH OMBUDSMAN
GPO Box 13281
George st
Brisbane Qld 4003
Phone: 33 OHO (133 646)
Fax: (07) 3319 6350
Website: www.oho.qld.gov.au
Complaints: complaints@oho.qld.gov.au
General enquiries: info@oho.qld.gov.au

Doctors @ Morningside

Privacy Policy

Doctors @ Morningside are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the confidentiality of your personal and health information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

1. Collection of Personal Information

We collect personal and health information that is necessary to provide you with high-quality medical care. This may include:

• Name, address, date of birth, and contact details
• Medicare and/or private health insurance details
• Medical history, medications, allergies, and test results
• Family and social history relevant to your health

We may collect this information directly from you or from other healthcare providers with your consent.

2. Use and Disclosure

Your personal information is used to:

• Provide medical services and treatment
• Communicate with you, other healthcare providers, or specialists (with consent)
• Manage billing, administration, and compliance with legal and regulatory obligations

We will not share your information with any third party without your consent, except when required by law or in a medical emergency.

3. Storage and Security

We store your information in both electronic and paper formats. We take all reasonable steps to protect it from misuse, loss, or unauthorised access, including:

• Secure electronic health records systems
• Staff training in privacy and confidentiality
• Restricted access to sensitive data

4. Access and Correction

You have the right to request access to your health information and to request corrections if you believe it is inaccurate or incomplete. Requests can be made in writing and we aim to respond within 10 working days.

5. Complaints

If you have concerns about your privacy or how your information has been handled, please contact our Practice Manager at Attention: Lisa – Practice Manager. PO Box 619, Morningside, Qld, 4170. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.

6. Policy Updates

This policy is reviewed regularly and may be updated from time to time. The latest version will be available at our reception or on our website.

Doctors @ Morningside

Secure Management of Patient Information Policy

1. Purpose

This policy outlines how Doctors @ Morningside securely collects, stores, uses, and protects patient information to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability in compliance with applicable privacy laws, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, contractors, and students who have access to patient information, whether in paper or electronic format.

3. Collection of Patient Information

We collect only information necessary for:

• Clinical care and treatment
• Referrals and communication with other healthcare providers
• Billing and administrative purposes
• Legal and regulatory compliance

Patient information is collected directly from the patient whenever possible or from authorised third parties with the patient’s consent.

4. Storage and Security Measures

Patient information is stored securely in both physical and digital formats:

• Electronic records are stored in password-protected, encrypted practice management systems with role-based access controls.
• Paper records are stored in locked cabinets in secure areas accessible only to authorised personnel.
• Routine data backups are performed and securely stored.
• All devices used to access patient information (e.g., computers, tablets) are protected by security software and strong authentication protocols.

5. Access to Patient Information

Access is strictly limited to staff who require information to perform their job duties. All staff are bound by confidentiality agreements and trained in privacy and data security practices.

Patients may request access to their information, and such requests will be responded to within a reasonable timeframe in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

6. Use and Disclosure

Patient information will only be used or disclosed:

• For direct patient care
• With patient consent
• As required by law or in the case of a serious threat to life, health, or safety
• For billing, claims, and administrative functions

7. Retention and Disposal

• Patient records are retained in line with legal and regulatory requirements, typically for a minimum of 7 years (or longer if required for minors).
• Secure destruction of paper records is done through certified shredding services.
• Electronic records are securely deleted or archived following industry standards when no longer required.

8. Data Breach Management

In the event of a data breach, the practice will:

• Contain the breach and assess the impact
• Notify affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) if required under the Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme
• Take corrective actions to prevent future incidents

9. Staff Responsibilities and Training

All staff receive regular training on privacy, data security, and information handling practices. Breaches of this policy may result in disciplinary action.

10. Review of Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually or as required in response to changes in legislation, technology, or practice procedures.

Doctors @ Morningside

Patient Communication Policy – Phone Calls and Emails

Doctors @ Morningside are committed to providing clear, timely, and secure communication with our patients. This policy outlines how we manage patient communications via phone and email to ensure quality care and confidentiality.

1. Phone Communication

• Patients may contact the medical centre by phone during operating hours: 07 3399 6655
• Non-urgent messages will be returned within same day.
• Urgent or emergency concerns should be directed to emergency services (e.g., 000) or presented at the nearest hospital.
• Phone conversations will be documented in the patient’s medical record.

2. Email Communication

• Email may be used for general, non-urgent enquiries such as appointment scheduling, administrative requests, or follow-up questions.
• Clinical information, diagnosis, or urgent matters will not be provided via email.
• Patients must use the designated email address: reception@drsmorningside.com.au.
• Emails will be responded to same day.
• Email communications wil be documented in the patient’s medical record.
• By initiating email contact, patients acknowledge that while security measures are in place, email may not be a fully secure form of communication.

3. Privacy and Confidentiality

• All communications are handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and relevant health privacy regulations.
• Staff are trained in maintaining confidentiality and using secure systems to protect patient information.

4. Consent

• By using phone or email to communicate with the centre, patients consent to receive responses via the same method, unless otherwise requested.

For more information or to update your communication preferences, please contact our reception team on 07 3399 6655.