Freedom of Information

The Victorian Freedom of Information Act (1982) (FOI Act) allows you to request access to your medical record held by Timboon and District Healthcare Service, which makes it possible to obtain a copy of the medical record or to view the original record.

Download Forms

Freedom of Information Request Form self

Freedom of Information Request Form on behalf of other person

How Do I Apply?

Under the FOI Act your request for documents must meet 3 requirements to be valid:

1. Written application

• You must complete and sign our Freedom of Information Request Form. (PDF available for downloading above) 
• Must give clear explanation of the documents you are seeking

2. Identification
   Photo identification that shows your signature, eg a photocopy of a driver’s licence or passport MUST be sent with your application or a written authority if you are submitting a request on behalf of another person (such as a law firm acting on behalf of their client); and
3. Payment

• Application Fee $31.80 – 2023/24 (please be aware that additional fees can be charged depending on the amount of information requested)
• Payment by cheque/money order/credit card made payable to TDHS.

Once these 3 requirements have been met, TDHS has 30 days to release the information or by extension in agreement with the applicant.

If you feel you have trouble paying the fees involved with the Freedom of Information request, you can ask for TDHS to waive the fees on the grounds of financial hardship by completing the Income Self-Declaration Form.

Download

Financial Hardship request form

What if I need the information for court proceedings?
If you require the medical records urgently for Court proceedings, contact your Lawyer. A Subpoena to produce documents may be required.

​Where to send your valid application:
​
Postal Address: 
Freedom of Information 
Timboon and District Healthcare Service
21 Hospital Road
Timboon VIC 3268

Or email:

Timboon.tdhs@swarh.vic.gov.au

For more information on Freedom of Information requests, please visit https://ovic.vic.gov.au/freedom-of-information/for-the-public/make-a-freedom-of-information-request/