Privacy Policy
1. Purpose
Cradle is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our clients and their families. We recognise that health information is sensitive information and take reasonable steps to ensure it is collected, used, stored, and disclosed in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store, and manage personal and health information.
2. Who We Are
Cradle provides postnatal midwifery care, breastfeeding support, newborn wellbeing assessments, education, and related maternity services.
For privacy-related enquiries, please contact us:
Cradle Midwives
Email: hello@cradlemidwives.com
3. Information We Collect
We may collect personal information and health information necessary to provide safe and effective care.
This may include:
Personal Information
Name
Date of birth
Address
Phone number
Email address
Emergency contact details
Health Information
Pregnancy, birth and postnatal history
Medical history
Medication information
Mental health history where relevant
Breastfeeding history
Infant health information
Assessment findings
Care plans and clinical notes
Financial Information
Billing information
Payment records
4. How We Collect Information
We collect information directly from you through:
Online booking forms
Intake forms
Clinical assessments
Telephone calls
Email correspondence
Telehealth consultations
In-person consultations and home visits
Where appropriate, we may also collect information from:
Hospitals
General practitioners
Maternal and Child Health services
Other healthcare providers
We will generally seek your consent before obtaining information from third parties unless otherwise permitted by law.
5. Why We Collect Information
We collect information to:
Provide postnatal care and support
Assess maternal and infant wellbeing
Develop care plans
Facilitate referrals to other healthcare providers
Communicate with you regarding appointments and care
Maintain accurate clinical records
Process payments and invoices
Meet legal and professional obligations
6. Disclosure of Information
We may disclose your information where necessary for your care or where required by law.
This may include:
General practitioners
Hospitals
Lactation consultants
Maternal and Child Health nurses
Allied health providers
Pathology or imaging providers
Regulatory authorities where legally required
We will only share information that is reasonably necessary for the purpose.
7. Mandatory Reporting and Legal Requirements
There may be circumstances where we are required by law to disclose information without your consent, including:
Concerns regarding the safety or wellbeing of a child
Court orders
Serious threats to life, health or safety
Other legal obligations
8. Storage and Security
We take reasonable steps to protect information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.
Measures may include:
Secure electronic practice management systems
Password-protected devices
Access controls
Secure storage of paper records
Staff confidentiality obligations
9. Retention of Records
Health records will be retained for the period required under applicable legislation and professional standards.
Records will be securely destroyed or de-identified when no longer required.
10. Access to Your Information
You may request access to your personal or health information by contacting us.
We will respond within a reasonable timeframe and may charge a reasonable administrative fee where permitted by law.
Access may be refused in limited circumstances permitted by law.
11. Correction of Information
If you believe information we hold is inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date, please contact us.
We will take reasonable steps to correct information where appropriate.
12. Website and Online Services
Our website may collect limited information through cookies and analytics tools to improve website performance and user experience.
This information generally does not identify individuals.
13. Privacy Complaints
If you have concerns about how your information has been handled, please contact our Privacy Officer.
We will investigate complaints and respond within a reasonable timeframe.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact:
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
Health Complaints Commissioner Victoria
14. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legislation, technology, or our services.