Freedom of Information
The Victorian Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 1982 gives you the right to access documents about your personal affairs, including medical records and the activities of government agencies.
Requests for access to your SGH record can be made in writing to:
The Freedom of Information Officer
South Gippsland Hospital
PO Box 104
Foster VIC 3960
FOI applications must:
- be in writing – not verbal
- clearly describe the documents you are requesting access to
- include the application fee or evidence that you qualify to have the application fee waived
- be made to the agency that holds the documents you are seeking.
You can make a request yourself or you can authorise another person (for example, a solicitor) to make a request on your behalf. If you want someone to make a request on your behalf for your personal information, you must give them your written authorisation. In the case of requesting information relating to a deceased person, the consent of the person’s most senior next of kin who is of or above the age of 18 years is required. Proof of this relationship is required.
Download the Freedom of Information Record Access form (PDF, opens new tab)
FOI Statement
There are two costs associated with making a FOI request – an application fee and access charges. These charges are set by government regulations.
There is a standard non-refundable application fee of $33.62. Payment can be made by electronic fund transfer (EFT) by calling reception on 03 5683 9777.
An access charge is applied under the Act for processing your request. Access charges are applied according to the nature of the request and could include search fees ($22.50 per hour), photocopying (20 cents per page), providing written transcripts of a recorded document ($20 per hour).
The application fee can be waived if payment is likely to cause you hardship.
If you wish to make a claim to have the fee waived you must provide evidence that you receive social security benefits eg: a current social security benefits or health benefits card.
The Freedom of Information Act 1982 stipulates all FOI requests shall be completed within 30 days of the Health Service receiving a valid request form and payment. SGH provides an equitable service to all applicants, regardless of their financial resources.
All FOI requests are treated in strictest confidence, as per the SGH Confidentiality Policy.
If your request is declined, SGH is obliged to notify you within 30 days of the date your request was received.
If you are not satisfied with this decision you are entitled to contact the CEO on 0427 093 058 to discuss your concerns.
