Caring for your information: notice to our patients, clients and residents
When you are receiving care, treatment, and services at Vancouver Coastal Health (“VCH”), our staff, physicians, and other authorized individuals will collect personal information from you. Where permitted, we may ask your family, friends, or other organizations to give us information about you, such as copies of records, medication information, test results, and other information relevant to your care and services.
Collecting, using and sharing your personal information
We fulfill these purposes through sharing your personal information with your primary care provider, specialists, health care and service individuals, and with organizations, including health authorities, Ministry of Health, Canadian Institute of Health Information, and First Nations partners as necessary and authorized under legislation. Across the province, electronic health systems enable authorized health care and service personnel to access relevant health information in support of these purposes
VCH collects race and identity information under the authority of the BC Anti-Racism Data Act. This information helps us understand the health experiences of people across racial and cultural groups so we can improve care planning and support equitable health outcomes. In addition, VCH asks about Indigenous identity to address the distinct impacts of colonialism and Indigenous-specific racism. This information is used to strengthen culturally safe and relevant services for Indigenous patients, including connecting individuals with Indigenous-specific supports.
Privacy when in hospital
If you are a patient in the hospital or long-term care, we will provide your family or close friends (who contact us and ask about you) with general information confirming your admission and location only.
If you have concerns about this, please discuss them with Admissions Desk or a staff member within your care area.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We may use machine learning, automated or other artificial intelligence models (AI) for some of the purposes listed above. We only use these tools in accordance with applicable Canadian privacy laws and after performing detailed assessments to ensure privacy, security and other risks are appropriately addressed consistent with our commitment to delivering high quality health care. If you have questions about the use of AI tools in your health care delivery, please discuss it with your doctor or health care provider or contact our Privacy Office at the email address below.
Contact information
If you have any questions about this notice and the protection of your personal information, please contact the VCH Privacy Office.
Email: privacy@vch.ca
Frequently asked questions
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Does Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) collect information about me?
Yes. When you receive care at VCH, our teams may collect personal information from you and about you. This may include information about your symptoms, test results, diagnoses, treatments, and care plans. Your health record may be kept in paper form, electronically, or both.
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What is “personal information”?
Personal information is any information that identifies you – like your name, contact information, personal health number (PHN), and your health information.
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How does VCH use my personal information?
We use it to provide you with health care or services. We may also sometimes use your personal information to check if you qualify for benefits.
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Is my personal information kept confidential?
Yes. We follow strict privacy rules under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to safeguard your personal information. VCH has policies that explain how we collect, use, store, share, and protect your information in compliance with legislation and professional standards. Staff are trained to uphold these requirements.
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Who can look at and use my personal information?
Only the people caring for you or providing you with services can see your personal information; they may use it to support your treatment and to keep you and your family informed. Your personal information may also be used to improve programs and services, and to support program delivery, education, training, and in some cases, research.
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When is my personal information shared with other agencies or care providers?
Your personal information may be shared to support your care and ensure continuity of services. This may include sharing with other care providers, health authorities, or community agencies involved in your treatment. We may also share it with your consent or as required or permitted by law, such as for court orders, insurance investigations, child protection situations, or in matters involving serious harm.
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How can I access my health record?
The BC Health Gateway provides access to selected records like lab results, medication history, immunizations, and some hospital visit summaries.
Visit www.healthgateway.gov.bc.ca
If you need a copy of your complete VCH health record, please visit our Health Information Management website. www.himconnect.ca/patients/request-access-to-your-health-records
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Why does VCH ask patients if they self-identify as Indigenous, and how is this information used?
Self-identifying as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit is always voluntary and will not affect the care you receive. VCH asks this question to better understand who is using our services, to improve planning across health authorities, and to support fair and equitable health outcomes. This information also helps us address the distinct impacts of colonialism and anti-Indigenous racism in the health system, and to provide culturally safe and relevant care. Clinicians may use it to connect patients with Indigenous Patient Navigators (IPNs), Elders, or cultural and spiritual supports. On a broader level, VCH analyzes aggregated data to evaluate outcomes for Indigenous peoples while maintaining privacy and confidentiality.
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What if I have concerns about how my personal information has been handled?
You can contact the VCH Privacy Office or reach out to the Office of the Information & Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia for support.
VCH Privacy Office
Email: privacy@vch.ca
Telephone: 604-875-5568Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC PO Box 9038 Stn. Prov. Govt.
Victoria B.C. V8W 9A4
Telephone: (250) 387-5629
Email: info@oipc.bc.ca
Website: www.oipc.bc.ca
