Women and Newborn Health Service
Services A - Z
24 Hour Emergency Line
08 9340 1828
1800 199 888
(freecall from landlines)
Confidentiality
SARC provides a confidential service to people wherever possible and will not disclose information to another party without a person’s prior consent, unless there are concerns for that person or someone else’s safety.
Confidentiality exceptions
In some circumstances there are special legal requirements where SARC must disclose information. These are:
- Subpoenas and court orders which require the release of information.
- Child abuse including sexual abuse to a child less than 18 years of age. Under mandatory reporting laws in WA, SARC doctors must report the sexual assault or sexual abuse of young people up to 18 years of age to the Department for Child Protection. Further action is not necessarily taken unless the young person is considered to be at further risk.
- Any indication of risk to the safety of others.
Under the Freedom of Information Act, people are able to access their SARC records.
If you would like further information on confidentiality, you can contact the Women and Newborn Health Service’s Mediation and Legal Support Services on (08) 9340 1312.
