Privacy Policy
This privacy policy explains how Vista Speech & Language Centre collects, uses, and protects information gathered through the use of our online platform and services. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in accordance with applicable privacy laws, including the Australian Privacy Principles and, where relevant, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Information We Collect
We collect various types of information in connection with the services we provide through our site. This may include:
- Personal Identification Information: Such as your name, date of birth, gender, and contact details including postal address.
- Health Information: As a speech pathology practice, we collect sensitive health information necessary to provide appropriate assessment, diagnosis, and therapy. This includes medical history, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment plans, assessment results, and session notes. This information is collected with your explicit consent or as otherwise permitted by law.
- Payment Information: Details necessary to process payments for services.
- Information Provided Through Our Site: Information you submit via forms, inquiries, or when requesting appointments or information.
- Usage Data: Information about how you access and use our site, such as your IP address, browser type, pages viewed, and the duration of your visit. This is typically collected automatically.
How We Collect Information
We collect information directly from you when you provide it to us, such as when you fill out forms, communicate with us, or during consultations. We may also collect information automatically as you navigate through our site.
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
- To provide, operate, and maintain our comprehensive speech pathology services, paediatric language development programs, adult speech therapy, voice and swallowing assessments, accent modification training, group therapy sessions, speech correction courses, and communication skills programs.
- To schedule and manage appointments.
- To communicate with you regarding your services, appointments, or inquiries.
- To process payments for services rendered.
- To maintain accurate health records and treatment plans.
- To improve the quality of our services and our online platform.
- To comply with legal and regulatory obligations.
- For internal administrative purposes.
Processing of your personal information is based on your consent, necessity for providing the requested services, compliance with legal obligations, or our legitimate business interests where not overridden by your privacy interests. Health information is processed with your explicit consent for the purpose of providing healthcare services.
Data Retention
We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including for the purposes of satisfying any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. The specific retention periods depend on the nature of the information and the purpose of processing.
Data Security
We have implemented technical, administrative, and physical safeguards designed to protect the personal information we collect from loss, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. However, please be aware that no security measures are perfect or impenetrable.
Sharing and Disclosure of Information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information with third parties only in the following circumstances:
- Service Providers: We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, such as IT support, data storage, or payment processing. These providers are contractually bound to protect your information and use it only for the purposes for which it was shared.
- With Your Consent: We may share health information with other healthcare professionals or third parties when you provide your explicit consent.
- Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g., a court or government agency).
- Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your personal information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your location and applicable laws, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information. These rights may include:
- Access: The right to request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
- Correction: The right to request that we correct any inaccurate or incomplete information.
- Deletion: The right to request the deletion of your personal information under certain conditions (e.g., if it is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, subject to legal requirements for retaining health records).
- Restriction: The right to request that we restrict the processing of your personal information under certain conditions.
- Objection: The right to object to our processing of your personal information under certain conditions.
- Data Portability: The right to request that we transfer the data that we have collected to another organization, or directly to you, under certain conditions.
- Withdraw Consent: Where processing is based on your consent, you have the right to withdraw consent at any time.
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the physical address provided below. We may need to verify your identity before responding to your request.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our site may use "cookies" and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience, analyze site usage, and manage our online platform. You can control the use of cookies through your browser settings.
Links to Other Websites
Our site may contain links to other websites that are not operated by us. We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party sites or services.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update our privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page. We encourage you to review this privacy policy periodically for any changes.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy policy or our data practices, you can contact us by postal mail at:
Vista Speech & Language Centre
145 Flinders Lane
Suite 5, Level 2
Melbourne, Victoria 3000
Australia