Accessibility
PrintProtecting Your Health Information
At University Health Network, 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 healthcare |
| • | 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 |
| • | 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 |
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 that when you are being admitted or you may also call (416) 946-2114. |
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 access 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:
| Telephone: | 1-800-387-0073 |
| Address: | 2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1400 Toronto, Ontario M4W 1A8 |
| Internet: | www.ipc.on.ca |
Brochures and Pamphlets
The documents listed below are available in Portable Document Format (PDF) 
format and can be viewed using Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click the icon to get a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader program if you don't already have it. 
Privacy: A Guide for Patients - a pamphlet outlining why personal health information is collected, what it is used for, who it is shared with and why, and how you can access your own health information. The pamphlet is available in seven different languages:
• English
• Chinese
• French
• Italian
• Portugese
• Spanish
• Vietnamese
UHN's Privacy Commitment to Patients (poster)
