Applications must be made in writing and can be made by completing the attached application form which should include a legible photocopy of your photo identification that shows your signature (e.g. Driver’s license, Passport), as well as the application fee. All of these requirements will ensure your request is valid and can be processed in a timely manner.

FOI Application Form

The Freedom of Information Act 1982 states that a non-refundable application fee of $32.70 from 1st July, 2024 and must accompany all applications. If you are the holder of a current Health Care Card or Pension Card, this application fee will be waived. Legible copies of the applicant’s current Health Care Card or Pension Card must be provided with the application.
An administration fee of $20.00 per hour is applied for processing requests. If viewing records only, a supervision rate of $20.00 per hour applies. Photocopying is charged at 20 cents per page. Postage is charged at $12.00.
All charges must be paid before the requested information is released.

Reasonable steps must be taken to satisfy that the applicant has the ‘right to access’ the medical records. Echuca Regional Health has a duty to protect the privacy of personal information.

The patient’s written and signed authority or documentation which proves guardianship or Power of Attorney must be supplied with the application form. If the patient is deceased, the Legal Representative (executor of Will or administrator of estate) or Senior Next of Kin’s written and signed authority must be provided with the application.
For persons between 16 and 18 years of age, it is preferable that the patient apply for access to their own record. If this is not possible, written and signed authority from the patient must be supplied with the application. If there are any Family Court Orders in place, a copy of the order should be provided with the application.

The Freedom of Information Act 1982 states that upon receipt of a valid application, the applicant must be notified of a decision within 30 days. This may be subject to extensions that are permitted under the Act, of which you will be notified.
If you require medical records urgently for Court proceedings, contact your Lawyer; a subpoena to produce documents may be issued to send records to the Court.
If you require medical records for medical appointments, Health Information Services is able to provide copies of your medical records directly to external health care providers with your consent. Contact Health Information Services on (03) 5485 5153 for queries relating to the provision of information to current healthcare providers.

The Freedom of Information Act 1982 allows for access to information to be fully or partially denied if there is information held which relates to the personal affairs of a person other than the patient or information which is obtained in confidence. Such decisions can be appealed to VCAT at the discretion of the applicant.
Public records are required to be kept for a prescribed length of time under the Public Records Act 1973, after which they may be destroyed. As a result, it may not be possible to provide records which are from a significant time ago. If records relating to your request are no longer kept, you will be notified.

Freedom of Information Officer
Echuca Regional Health
226 Service Street
Echuca 3564

Or email foi@erh.org.au