Last updated: January 2024
Effective date: January 1, 2024
Introduction
Goldfields Healthcare ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal and health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our healthcare services, in compliance with South African privacy legislation including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
Information We Collect
Personal Information
- Name, surname, and contact details (phone, email, address)
- Date of birth and identification information
- Medical aid information and billing details
- Emergency contact information
Health Information
- Medical history and current health status
- Symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment information
- Prescription and medication details
- Test results and medical reports
Website Usage Information
- IP address and browser information
- Pages visited and time spent on our website
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies (with consent)
- Form submissions and admission enquiries
How We Use Your Information
Healthcare Services:
- Providing medical care and treatment
- Maintaining accurate medical records
- Communicating about your health and appointments
- Coordinating care with other healthcare professionals
Administrative Purposes:
- Processing appointments and billing
- Managing medical aid claims
- Sending appointment reminders and health information
- Improving our healthcare services
Legal and Safety Requirements:
- Complying with healthcare regulations and legal obligations
- Reporting required public health information
- Ensuring patient and staff safety
Information Sharing and Disclosure
We may share your information in the following circumstances:
- Healthcare Professionals: With other doctors, specialists, or healthcare providers involved in your care
- Medical Aid Schemes: For claims processing and authorization
- Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or regulatory authority
- Emergency Situations: To protect your vital interests or those of others
- Service Providers: With trusted third parties who assist in our operations (under strict confidentiality agreements)
Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal and health information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. This includes:
- Secure data storage and transmission protocols
- Access controls and staff training on privacy requirements
- Regular security assessments and updates
- Secure disposal of records when no longer needed
Your Privacy Rights
Under POPIA and healthcare regulations, you have the right to:
- Access your personal and health information
- Request corrections to inaccurate information
- Object to certain uses of your information
- Request deletion of information (subject to medical record requirements)
- Receive a copy of your medical records
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator
Cookies and Website Analytics
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to improve your browsing experience and analyze website usage. We use:
- Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality
- Analytics Cookies: To understand how visitors use our website (only with your consent)
- Functional Cookies: To remember your preferences and settings
You can manage your cookie preferences through our cookie consent banner or your browser settings.
Data Retention
We retain your information for the following periods:
- Medical Records: As required by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (typically 6-12 years after last contact)
- Billing Records: As required by tax and accounting regulations (5-7 years)
- Website Data: 24-26 months for analytics data (with consent)
- Marketing Communications: Until you unsubscribe or object
Contact Us
For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your privacy rights, contact us:
Privacy Officer: Practice Manager
Address: 1 Petrus Bosch St, Jan Cilliers Park, Welkom, 9459
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website and updating the "Last updated" date. For significant changes, we may provide additional notice through email or during your visit.
Information Regulator Contact
If you believe we have not handled your personal information appropriately, you can lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa at inforeg.org.za or call 012 406 4818.