Protecting Your Privacy
COVID-19 has temporarily changed the way the privacy office receives and communicates concerns and requests from patients (or about personal health information) under the Personal Health Information Protection Act, as well as requests for organizational information under the Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act. Due to COVID-19 there may be delays in receiving mail and couriers to the Privacy Office.
- Please call the Privacy Office at 416-864-6088 to discuss patient-related questions, concerns or requests. Emails can be sent to privacy@unityhealth.to, but users should note that email is not secure. Email sent to this address could be seen by email or internet service providers, or intercepted and seen by others. Only send information that you do not feel is sensitive.
- Please send Freedom of Information (FOI) requests for organizational information to fippa@unityhealth.to or call us at 416-864-6088 to discuss.
Privacy at Unity Health Toronto
The role of the Privacy Office at Unity Health Toronto is to ensure that the personal health information of our patients, clients and residents is kept just that – personal. At Unity Health Toronto, we are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your information. The role of the Privacy Office at Unity Health Toronto is to ensure that the personal health information of our patients, clients and residents is kept just that – personal.
Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) lists the rules for the collection, use and disclosure (sharing) of personal health information.
Our Commitment to You
As part of our commitment to protecting the information of our patients, clients and residents, we have a number of policies in place for physicians, staff, volunteers and researchers that address confidentiality and privacy, security, and release of records. For a summary of how we protect personal health information, view our Privacy Notice and Privacy of Personal Health Information Policy.
Please go to Accessing Your Health Record for more information about accessing a patient health record at this time. For more information, visit our Privacy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
Everyone who accesses or could access Personal Health Information (PHI) has to sign a Privacy Confidentiality Agreement.
Privacy and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI technology allows machines to do tasks that would normally be done by humans, such as analysis or prediction. At Unity Health, we have a Data Science and Advanced Analytics team that creates AI solutions to help us provide the best possible care and plan for internal programs and operations. Sometimes, we collaborate with external partners, like Signal 1, to create AI solutions. In all cases, strong safeguards are in place to protect your personal health information.
To learn more about how we protect your privacy when creating and using AI solutions, read our FAQs for patients and families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit our Privacy FAQ page answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about privacy, personal health information and health records.
For more information about how we handle your personal health information and protect your privacy, or to raise a concern you may have about our practices, please contact us.
Please note that the security of email messages is not guaranteed. Messages may be forged, forwarded, or seen by others using the internet. Patients should not use email to discuss sensitive information, or use email in an emergency since email delivery may be delayed.
Privacy Office
Unity Health Toronto c/o St. Michael’s Hospital
30 Bond St.
Toronto, Ontario M5B 1W8
416-864-6088
privacy@unityhealth.to
If you are not satisfied with how we resolve your question or concern, you may contact the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario at:
Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario
2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1400
Toronto, Ontario M4W 1A8
416-326-3333
commissioner@ipc.on.ca
www.ipc.on.ca
Last updated November 14, 2023