Access to Information
QCH has consistently promoted a culture of openness and accountability within the organization. Since January 1, 2012, hospitals in Ontario have been required to follow the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). To ensure full compliance with the Act, the Hospital has developed a process to respond to Freedom of Information requests.
Importantly, not all information requests need to be through the Act. The Hospital posts a great deal of information on our Web site - in addition, you can forward an informal request directly to the department or area within the Hospital that you think may have what you are looking for. Informal requests may save you time and money.
About FIPPA
The Act has two main purposes and excludes patient records*:
- To make public bodies more transparent and accountable by providing individuals with the right of access to government records.
- To protect personal information from unauthorized collection, use or disclosure by public bodies.
Upon request, the Hospital must provide records subject to limited exemptions as provided in the Act. For more information about FIPPA at Queensway Carleton Hospital, contact:
Information and Privacy Office
Queensway Carleton Hospital
3045 Baseline Road
Ottawa, Ontario K2H 8P4
613-721-2000 ext. 2915
privacy@qch.on.ca
*To access your patient records, please contact Release of Information for assistance at 613-721-2000 ext. 2802.
Process for requesting non-patient record information
When an informal request for information is denied, you may submit a request for information under the FIPPA. You may also request to view or change your personal information. Before making a request, please consult the QCH Directory of Records/Personal Information. This will help you clearly identify the records that you are looking for and may assist you in defining parameters for your request.
Requests must be submitted in writing. You are encouraged to use the QCH Information Access Request Form.
A FIPPA request must include:
- A detailed description of the records that you seek
- Mandatory $5.00 non-refundable application fee - payment must be made with the request by cheque, money order or cash.
- Once a request is accepted, other fees may be applied.
Requests will not be accepted by email, as every request must be accompanied by the $5.00 fee. Request for information form
Send your request to:
Information and Privacy Office
Queensway Carleton Hospital
3045 Baseline Road
Ottawa, Ontario K2H 8P4
When a request is received, the Information and Privacy Office may contact you to clarify your request if you did not provide sufficient detail to enable our Office to identify the record(s) requested. The Hospital must respond to your request within 30 days. The legislation allows for extensions to this timeframe which may be applied if required. Before you view or request record(s) you must pay the applicable fees (see fee schedule here).
Appeal process
You have the right to appeal any Hospital decision regarding access of correction to the Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner within 30 days. Your appeal should be sent to:
Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner
2 Bloor Street East
Suite 1400
Toronto, Ontario M4W 1A8
Your appeal letter should include the following:
- Your name, address and telephone number
- Your request number assigned to your request by QCH
- A copy of your original request for information to QCH
- The reason for your appeal.
The appeal must be accompanied by the appropriate fee. Fees vary according to the nature of the request being appealed as follows:
- $25, if the person appealing has made a request for access to general records under subsection 24 (1) of the Act.
- $10, if the person appealing has made a request for access to personal information under subsection 48 (1) of the Act.
If you have any additional questions about the access or appeal process, please contact the QCH Information and Privacy Office at 613-721-2000 ext. 2915.
Looking for information on how to request your personal health information? Please refer to the 'Your Personal Health Information' tab.