Waikato Heart Limited & Waikato Heart Echocardiography Limited

Effective Date: 01/05/2026

At Waikato Heart Limited, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the confidentiality of your personal and health information. We collect, use, store, and disclose personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 and the Health Information Privacy Code 2020. [privacy.org.nz], [health.govt.nz]

Information We Collect

We may collect personal and health information including:

• Your name, date of birth, address, email address, and telephone number

• National Health Index (NHI) number

• General practitioner and referring practitioner details

• Medical history, diagnoses, treatment plans, medications, and clinical notes

• Results from tests, imaging, and other investigations

• Health insurance and ACC information

• Payment and billing information

• Any other information necessary to provide specialist medical services

Why We Collect Information

We collect information to:

• Provide safe and effective medical care and treatment

• Communicate with you regarding appointments, investigations, and treatment

• Coordinate care with your GP, other specialists, hospitals, laboratories, radiology providers, and other healthcare professionals involved in your care

• Meet legal, regulatory, and professional obligations

• Process payments, ACC claims, and insurance claims

• Improve the quality and safety of our services

How We Collect Information

Where possible, we collect information directly from you. We may also collect information from:

• Your GP or referring practitioner

• Other healthcare providers involved in your care

• Hospitals and medical centres

• Laboratories and imaging providers

• ACC, insurers, or other agencies where authorised or permitted by law

Disclosure of Information

We may disclose your information to:

• Healthcare professionals involved in your treatment and care

• Hospitals, laboratories, and imaging providers

• ACC and health insurers where required

• Government agencies where required or authorised by law

• Third-party service providers who assist us with administration, information technology, and practice management, subject to appropriate confidentiality and security requirements

We will not disclose your information for purposes unrelated to your care unless you have consented or disclosure is otherwise permitted or required by law. [privacy.org.nz], [privacy.org.nz]

Storage and Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your information from loss, unauthorised access, misuse, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Information may be stored electronically and in secure practice management systems.

Where information is stored or processed by service providers, we require appropriate privacy and security safeguards to be maintained.

Retention of Information

We retain health information in accordance with legal and professional requirements, including applicable health information retention obligations in New Zealand. Health providers are generally required to retain health records for a minimum of 10 years from the last patient contact. [health.govt.nz]

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Request access to your personal and health information

• Request correction of information you believe is inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading

Requests should be made in writing to the Practice Privacy Officer using the contact details below. We will respond in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 and the Health Information Privacy Code 2020. [privacy.org.nz], [health.govt.nz]

Website and Electronic Communications

If you visit our website, we may collect technical information such as IP address, browser type, and website usage information through cookies and analytics tools. This information is used to improve website performance and user experience.

Email communications are not always secure. If you choose to communicate with us by email, you acknowledge the risks associated with electronic communication.

Privacy Officer

If you have any questions about this Privacy Statement or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact:

Privacy Officer
Waikato Heart Limited
9 Thackeray St [Address]
07 9576080
admin@waikatoheart.co.nz

Complaints

If you are concerned about the way we have handled your information, please contact our Privacy Officer first. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.

Website: https://www.privacy.org.nz
Phone: 0800 803 909 [privacy.org.nz]