Ministerial Statement

Patient Records

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Minister for Health, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Health Industries) (14:04): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING: Over the past week, reporting in media and social media has disclosed very sensitive personal information about a patient of our public hospital system. On Tuesday, I spoke with the patient who made it clear that he did not want his personal medical details publicly disclosed and asked that his privacy be respected. I released a statement advising of the patient's express wishes. Even though it was made clear the patient did not consent to the disclosure of his personal information, specific details of his health care continued to be reported and circulated in the media and social media. This disgraceful breach of privacy has left the patient anxious and distressed.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING: I was particularly disappointed by media outlets allowing commentary on the story published online, which led to public comments which ridiculed and trivialised the matter. I have been told the patient has made a formal complaint to the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network about the breach of confidentiality. In response to the complaint and on behalf of the patient, this breach was immediately reported to the appropriate regulatory authority for investigation, and SA Health will also conduct an investigation into the breach.

Disclosure of a patient's personal information without their consent is an offence under the state's health law and a clear breach of our patients' trust in our health system. Public debate and discussion about our health system is welcome; however, I draw the line at using a patient's sensitive and personal information without their consent. This is not the first time we have seen a patient's private information used publicly without their consent. We remind those who continue to report and share such information in the media and social media that this behaviour is unethical and can cause significant distress to those involved.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Heysen, Schubert, Morphett, Hammond, Newland, MacKillop and the deputy leader. I warn for the first time the member for Heysen—and I welcome her back to the list—and the deputy leader, and I warn for the second and the final time the deputy leader.