Freedom of Information
Welcome to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) The purpose of FIPPA is to provide you with access to information while at the same time protecting the privacy of individuals whose personal information we hold. At Erie Shores HealthCare (ESHC) we believe in transparency and accountability. We continue to encourage and support proactive disclosure where it is appropriate and will provide information and documents online that are of interest to our community.
Freedom of Information at ESHC
On January 1, 2012, Ontario hospitals will became subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection Privacy Act (FIPPA). FIPPA was extended to cover hospitals as a result of the Broader Public Sector Accountability Act, 2010, which received Royal Ascent on December 10, 2010.
As of January 1, 2012 access to all hospital records is granted to anyone, for any reason, unless subject to an exclusion or exemption. All hospital records from January 1, 2007 have to be produced on an access request unless excluded or exempt under FIPPA.
How to Make a Request
Requests for corporate records under FIPPA must be made in writing. As the Internet is not a secure communications vehicle, we are not able to accept requests via the Internet or through email. You may submit your request by mail or in-person. ESHC Access Request Application
You will receive a response within 30 calendar days from the date we clarify your written request and any applicable fees are paid. If we need to consult with others or if we have a large volume of records to review, the time may be extended, as permitted under legislation. If there is a delay, we will notify you in writing of the reason for the extension and the new due date. For further information, ESCH hospital’s FIPPA Policy.
For information about the types of corporate records held by ESHC, you may wish to consult the Directory of Records. When requesting information, please provide specific details about the records you wish to access.
An application fee of $5.00, payable to Erie Shores HealthCare by cash or cheque is required at the time you submit your request. Other fees may be applicable based on the size and type of request and you will be provided with a fee estimate. ESHC will issue a receipt for any payments. ESHC fee schedule.
For more information on FOI and information regarding complaints procedure, please visit the website of the Information and Privacy Commissioner, Ontario, Canada.
If you are requesting information about your health record, you do not need to make a FOI request. Please contact the Health Records department Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Phone: (519) 326-2373 ext. 4510 Fax: (519) 322-0598.
Should you have further FOI questions or concerns, please contact our FOI Office at:
Freedom of Information (FOI) Office
Erie Shores HealthCare (ESHC)
194 Talbot Street West
Leamington, ON N8H 1N9
Telephone: (519) 326-2373 ext. 4186
If you are requesting information about your health record, please contact our Health Records Department. Contact Info: Department open Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Phone: (519) 326-2373 ext. 4510 Fax: (519) 322-0598.