Community Mental Health
The Health Records department is responsible for maintaining the health records of both current and former clients of the centre. It oversees the collection, storage, retention and access to client’s Personal Health Information (PHI).
How to obtain a copy of your record
The Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) governs the collection, use, and disclosure of PHI in Ontario. This Act gives clients the right to access and disclose their personal information.
A written request to the Health Records department is required to release any information contained in your health record.
Contact us
If you have any questions or concerns please contact us
Phone: 416-924-1164 ext. 8725
Fax: 416-373-2003
Email: healthrecords@sickkidscmh.ca
Mail:
The Garry Hurvitz Centre for Community Mental Health at SickKids
Health Records department
440 Jarvis St.
Toronto, ON M4Y 2H4
Hours of operation
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays
Frequently asked questions
What is a health record?
The health record consists of all information collected by a health-care organization pertaining to patient/client care. This includes both personal information (i.e. name, gender, date of birth, address) and personal health Information (such as health card number, medical history and diagnosis). Health records are the property of GH-CCMH.
What is personal health information (PHI)?
PHI is “identifying information” collected about an individual in oral or recorded form. It includes information such as:
- your physical or mental health, including family history;
- the health-care services you receive;
- your health-care number; and
- other information relating to your health and health-care history.
To whom does GH-CCMH disclose PHI?
GH-CCMH may disclose your PHI with:
- other health-care providers involved in your circle of care, provided you haven’t withdrawn your consent;
- any third party, including family members, provided that you have consented;
- a relative, friend or potential substitute decision-maker without consent, if you are injured, incapacitated, ill or unable to give consent personally, or where it is reasonably necessary to provide you with health care and consent cannot be obtained in a timely way;
- public and law enforcement authorities as permitted and required by law (for example, to report communicable diseases or by warrant or subpoena); and
- the officer in charge of a psychiatric facility, with or without consent, for purposes of examining, assessing, observing or detaining individuals under the Mental Health Act.
What is the “circle of care?”
The term “circle of care” is commonly used to describe the ability of health-care providers to collect, use or disclose PHI for the purpose of providing health care, on the basis of implied consent. This means that GH-CCMH may be allowed to share your PHI with another health-care provider that is currently participating in your care, if it is done for the purpose of maintaining or improving the quality of care you receive.
How can I request correction to information contained in my record?
If you believe that your health record contains inaccurate information or is incomplete, it is your right under the Ontario’s health privacy law – PHIPA – to request corrections to your health record. This can be done by submitting a request in writing to the Health Records department.