Confidentiality

Confidentiality refers to protecting your rights - the right to privacy regarding the information you share with a health professional or a professional in a service that you may access for information and support.

Confidentiality means that the information you chose to disclose will not be shared with others.

In most cases the professionals will strongly encourage you to take responsibility to speak with a parent or guardian about your current needs, but in the end it's your decision.

Only in exceptional circumstances, for example, if you are at risk of serious harm, will a professional break confidence. In these situations you will always be informed first.

In some cases it is beneficial for health professionals to share information with other professionals. This is to ensure they seek the best possible advice and information to help you.

Before this sharing of information begins, you should be informed of the reasons why and what the benefits will be.

In all instances, permission to share your information witht others should be obtained from you first. Should you agree, your information will still remain confidential.

It is always a good idea to ask the person you are talking to how information about you is recorded and who has access to it.