Freedom of Information

If you are looking to make a request for personal health record(s), please visit our Personal Health Records page.

Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA)

FIPPA provides for a general right of access to records in the hospital's custody or control as of January 1, 2007. There are certain exclusions and exemptions from the right of access. FIPPA also provides a right to the protection of personal information.

The principles of FIPPA are:

• Information should be made available to the public
• Exemptions from the right of access should be limited and specific
• Decisions on whether to provide access may be appealed to the Information and Privacy Commissioner/Ontario
• Any person may make a request for records held by an institution subject to FIPPA
• To protect individuals from unauthorized collection, use or disclosure of personal information and to provide individuals with a right of access to their own personal information

Access to personal health information, such as in a patient's medical chart, is not available under FIPPA. The Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) applies to a patient's medical information and the hospital protects medical information in accordance with PHIPA.

If you wish to make a request personal health information, please contact Health Records, Release of Information Department at 519-751-5544 ext 2483.

How to make a Request for Record(s) under FIPPA

Under FIPPA a request can be made to:

• access general records under the custody and control of the hospital as of January 1, 2007
• access personal information about yourself

The record you are seeking may be routinely available at the Brant Community Healthcare System without the need to submit a formal request under FIPPA. You can contact the Freedom of Information and Privacy Coordinator at (519) 751-5544, ext. 2556 or if you have questions prior to making a formal request. 

If you wish to make a formal request under FIPPA please follow these instructions:

1. All requests must be in writing and make reference to the Act, and be accompanied by $5 (request processing fee).
   BCHS FOI Request form.
   
   
2. Please make cheques payable to Brant Community Healthcare System. Payment is also accepted by completing the credit card information on page 2 of the Request form, or cash or debit is accepted in person at the BCHS Business Office (located at the entrance of A Wing).

 If paying by credit card, completed forms may be emailed to foi@bchsys.org.

 If submitting by mail, please send the completed form and payment to:

Information and Privacy Coordinator
Freedom of Information and Privacy Office
Brant Community Healthcare System
200 Terrace Hill Street
Brantford, ON N3R 1G9

Applicable Fees for Requesters under FIPPA

The Brant Community Healthcare System, and all organizations, may charge the requestor set fees associated with the search and processing of records. Fees are set by the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.

When you make your application, we will provide you with an estimate of what your request may cost.

Related Information

1. FIPPA - Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
Privacy legislation that applies to public sector employers which regulates the right to access information held by an organization and the right to protection of privacy of individuals with respect to personal information.

2. PHIPA – Personal Health Information Protection Act
Privacy legislation that governs the manner in which personal health information may be collected, used, and disclosed within the health care system. It also regulates individuals and organizations that receive personal information from health care professionals.

3. IPC – Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario
This is an organization that acts independently of the government to promote the protection of personal privacy in Ontario.

4. Ministry of Government Services – Access and Privacy Office
This is an office of the Ontario government which is primarily designed to help employers fulfill their responsibilities under FIPPA.