Privacy Statement for Whanganui Community Living Trust (WCLT)

Whanganui Community Living Trust (WCLT) is committed to protecting the privacy, dignity, and rights of all tangata whaiora we support. We manage personal and health information in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 and the Health Information Privacy Code 2020.

Collection of Information

We collect personal and health information necessary to provide safe, effective, and person-centred support. This may include contact details, clinical information, consent forms, and information relating to your wellbeing.

Information is usually collected directly from you. With your consent, we may also collect information from your whānau, caregivers, health professionals, or other services involved in your care.

Phone Recordings

Phone calls to and from WCLT may be recorded for staff training and quality improvement purposes. Recordings are stored securely and retained for a period of 14 days, after which they are permanently deleted.

Storage and Retention of Information

All consent forms and clinical records are securely stored within WCLT’s client management system.

In line with legal and sector requirements, records are retained for a period of 7 years from the date of discharge. After this time, records are securely destroyed.

Use and Disclosure

Your information is used to support your care, coordinate services, and improve the quality of support we provide.

Information may be shared with other health or social service providers involved in your care where appropriate and in line with the Health Information Privacy Code 2020, or where required by law.

Access to Information

You have the right to access and request correction of your personal information.

Requests must be made in writing to the General Manager – Business & People. WCLT will respond to requests in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020.

Security of Information

WCLT takes all reasonable steps to protect your information from loss, unauthorised access, use, disclosure, or modification. This includes secure systems, controlled access, and staff training in privacy and confidentiality.

Complaints and Escalation

If you have any concerns about your privacy or how your information has been handled, you are encouraged to raise this with WCLT in the first instance.

You can make a complaint by contacting our Privacy Officer or the General Manager – Business & People in writing. We will acknowledge and respond to your complaint within a reasonable timeframe and work with you to resolve any concerns.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to escalate your complaint to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner, who can investigate complaints about breaches of privacy.

You may also contact the Office of the Ombudsman for assistance with complaints about administrative conduct and decision-making processes.