Protecting Your Health Information
At UHN, we treat your personal health information with respect and sensitivity. We do so in accordance with the Ontario Personal Health Information Protection Act and all other applicable laws.
The people at UHN who provide and support your care are allowed to see your health information. This group includes doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists and other health professionals who provide care. Students may also work with your health care team under the guidance of qualified teachers.
How is my health information used?
- To provide you with health care
- To comply with legal and regulatory requirements
- To make our health services better and more efficient
- To support UHN’s research programs
- To support UHN’s educational activities
Who does UHN share my personal health information with?
- Your next of kin (family member) or legal representative (a person you choose)
- Other health care providers as part of your care team
- Health regulatory agencies (for example, agencies that track wait times)
- Public authorities as permitted and required by law (for example, Public Health to track infections)
- Government agencies (for example, the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board), or if you give your consent, your private insurer to get payment for your treatment or care
- While UHN takes steps to avoid processing or storage of data outside of Canada where possible, some support services are provided by vendors subject to US laws or in the US. As a result, patient personal information will be subject to the laws of the foreign jurisdiction which may be different, and less protective, than those of Canada.
Unless you tell us not to, we may also disclose your information to:
1. Visitors or callers so they can reach you in the hospital. If you do not want UHN to tell visitors or callers that you are in the hospital, let us know when you are admitted and share this with your care team.
2. Connect you with a religious or spiritual advisor from the community who may visit you in the hospital. If you do not want this service, please tell us when you are admitted.
3. Share your information with the UHN foundations. If you do not want to be contacted for fundraising after you leave the hospital, please let us know when you are being admitted. To be removed from communications from The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, call 416 946 6560. To be removed from communications from the UHN Foundation, call 416 603 5300.
Can I see my record of personal health information?
We respect your right to see your health record. If you wish to do so, please call the Release of Information line at 416 340 4771. Further information about how to obtain access to your record can be found in the
Health Records section of this site.
For More Information
Please see our privacy brochure available at the bottom of this page and in many locations throughout the hospital. You may also contact the
UHN Privacy Office.
Further questions and concerns can be directed to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario at:
2 Bloor Street East
Suite 1400
Toronto, ON
M4W 1A8
Phone: 1 800 387 0073
Website:
www.ipc.on.ca
