Terms and Conditions

By accessing OTAKI MEDICAL’S website, (www.otakimedical.co.nz) means you agree that the following terms and conditions apply to your use of the website.

OTAKI MEDICAL may change or update the content of the website, including these terms and conditions applicable to the website, at any time without prior notice.

General Disclaimer

OTAKI MEDICAL highlights the fact that the placement of information (including links to other websites) on the website does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by OTAKI MEDICAL of any health supplier or its services, and as such use of the services of health suppliers featured on this website is undertaken at the user’s own risk, unless specifically stated otherwise.

In addition, OTAKI MEDICAL accepts no responsibility for:

• any loss, damage or inconvenience however caused (including but not limited to by way of negligence) which the user or any party for whom this website is used may directly or indirectly suffer in connection with the use or reliance on any information or links contained on this website; or
• any interference or damage to the user’s or other computer systems which arises in connection with the use of this or any linked website.

To the extent that by law we can, any condition or warranty is hereby excluded.  Where any law implies a

condition or warranty, and we can’t by law exclude or modify our liability, any such condition or warranty will apply; our liability however for a breach of any such law is limited to:

• the supplying of the services again; or
• the payment of the cost of having the services supplied again.

The decision as to which (if any) of these remedies applies is OTAKI MEDICAL’S, unless otherwise required by law.

It is entirely the user’s responsibility to:

• ensure that access to this website is not illegal or prohibited by applicable laws; and
• ensure that the process which the user employs for accessing this website does not expose them to the risk of viruses, malicious computer code or other forms of interference which may cause damage to their or other computer systems.

Furthermore, OTAKI MEDICAL does not:

• warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of any information (including links contained within it) contained on this website; or
• undertake to keep this website (including links contained within it) updated; or
• accept responsibility for the content or privacy practices associated with linked websites.

 Privacy Policy

Rationale

OTAKI MEDICAL is committed to ensuring respect and due regard to the rights of patients. The Health & Disability Services Consumer Code of Rights will be upheld at all times.

OTAKI MEDICAL will ensure the privacy of patients in accordance with the Health Information Privacy Code 1994.

Policy

• The Consumer Code of Rights will be displayed in a prominent position in the waiting room and will be pointed out to patients at enrolment.

• All new staff, locums and students will sign a confidentiality statement and be made aware of the Patients’ Rights and Privacy Policies.

• The recording, collection and storage of information will comply with the Health Information Privacy Code 1994.

• Documents no longer required by the organisation will be disposed of appropriately, e.g. shredded or document control bin.

Patients Information

• Patients will be treated as individuals. Their right to privacy and dignity must be respected at all times,

• Patient information is collected for the purpose of ensuring that the best possible care can be provided

• Every patient will be made aware of their rights to privacy in accordance with the Health Information Privacy Code 1994.

• Patient information, both electronic and paper files are restricted to staff who require that information to be able to do their job and provide care effectively and efficiently.

• Staff will not discuss any patient’s information with anyone outside of OTAKI MEDICAL without the consent of the patient concerned.

• Staff working in areas where computer screens could potentially be seen by unauthorised persons, must ensure that patients information cannot be viewed.

• Staff working in areas where the potential for unauthorised persons to overhear discussions or telephone conversations must not reveal identifying information about a patient. Where private information must be discussed the staff member will make the call in a private area.

• Files of patients who have left the organisation will be archived in a secure area for 10 years (beginning the day after the last entry was made). After this time, the file must be destroyed. e.g. Destruction of a patient record must be done in such a manner as to preserve the privacy of the patient. Burning or shredding the documents is acceptable and there are security companies that destroy documents.