Legal
Privacy Policy
Last updated: August 2026
SWAST CARE is committed to protecting the privacy of our patients, referrers, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
1. Who We Are
SWAST CARE (ABN: 72 689 752 841) is a DVA contracted community nursing provider operating across Australia. We deliver in-home nursing and allied health services to veterans and DVA-referred patients. References to 'we', 'us', or 'our' in this policy refer to SWAST CARE.
2. What Information We Collect
We collect personal information necessary to provide our nursing services and to communicate with referrers and patients. This may include: full name, date of birth, contact details (address, phone, email), DVA card type and file number, Medicare number, health and medical information (including clinical history, diagnoses, medications, and care needs), emergency contact details, and information provided by referrers (GPs, specialists, hospital discharge teams, DVA case managers).
3. How We Collect Information
We collect personal information directly from you or your authorised representative, from referrers (GPs, specialists, hospitals, DVA case managers), from the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), through our website contact and referral forms, and during clinical assessments and nursing visits.
4. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information to provide and manage nursing and allied health services, to communicate with you and your care team, to obtain DVA approval and funding for your care, to maintain clinical records and care plans, to comply with legal and regulatory obligations, and to improve our services. We will not use your information for direct marketing without your consent.
5. Disclosure of Your Information
We may disclose your personal information to the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) for funding and approval purposes, to treating health professionals involved in your care (GPs, specialists, allied health providers), to hospitals and other healthcare facilities as required for continuity of care, and to regulatory bodies as required by law. We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties.
6. Health Information & My Health Record
Health information is a sensitive category of personal information. We handle all health information with the highest level of care and in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles. Access to health information is restricted to authorised clinical and administrative staff on a need-to-know basis. Where applicable, SWAST CARE operates in accordance with the My Health Records Act 2012 (Cth). Clinical staff may access or contribute to a patient's My Health Record only where the patient has consented and access is clinically necessary. Patients may control access to their My Health Record through the Australian Digital Health Agency at www.myhealthrecord.gov.au or by calling 1800 723 471.
7. Data Security
We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, and unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. Our security measures include secure electronic record systems, access controls and authentication, staff training on privacy obligations, and secure disposal of records when no longer required.
8. Accessing and Correcting Your Information
You have the right to access the personal information we hold about you and to request corrections if it is inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date. To make a request, please contact us using the details below. We will respond within 30 days. In some circumstances, we may be unable to provide access (for example, where it would pose a serious threat to health or safety), and we will explain why.
9. Complaints
If you believe we have breached your privacy, please contact us in the first instance. We will investigate your complaint and respond within 30 days. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.
10. Contact Us
For privacy-related enquiries, to access or correct your information, or to make a complaint, please contact: SWAST CARE Privacy Officer, ABN: 72 689 752 841, Email: [email protected], Phone: 1800 668 316. This Privacy Policy was last updated in August 2026 and may be updated from time to time. We encourage you to review it periodically.