Privacy Policy for Melbourne Speech and Language Centre

Melbourne Speech and Language Centre is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This privacy policy describes how we collect, use, and handle your personal data when you use our online platform and services, including accessing information, scheduling appointments, or engaging with content on our site.

Information We Collect

We collect various types of information to provide our speech pathology, therapy, and educational services effectively. This includes information you directly provide to us, such as your name, contact details (like postal address), date of birth, relevant medical or health information pertinent to speech, language, or swallowing needs, information about communication challenges, educational history, and details provided when filling out forms, making inquiries, scheduling or attending appointments, or participating in our programs.

When you use our online platform, we may also collect information automatically. This includes technical information about your device, browser type and version, time zone setting, browser plug-in types and versions, operating system and platform, and information about your visit, including the pages you view, navigation paths, visit lengths, and interaction information. We do not collect electronic contact details like email addresses or phone numbers unless you provide them to us directly through means not covered by the restriction on electronic communication in this policy document itself. However, internally, we use such information to communicate with you regarding our services.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes: To provide, operate, and maintain our services, including delivering speech pathology assessments, individual and group therapy sessions, early intervention programs, adult communication support, speech correction courses, language development programs, swallowing therapy, and professional development workshops. To manage appointments and communicate with you about your service schedule. To understand your needs and tailor our services to provide effective support and therapy. To improve our services, content, and online platform. To process transactions related to services you receive. To respond to your inquiries and provide client support. To comply with legal obligations, professional standards, and regulatory requirements.

We process your personal data based on several legal grounds, including your explicit consent (especially for sensitive health data necessary for treatment), the necessity to perform a contract with you or take steps at your request before entering into a contract (e.g., providing services you requested), our legitimate interests (e.g., improving our services, administrative purposes), and compliance with legal obligations (e.g., health record keeping requirements).

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal data. We may share your information with third parties only in limited circumstances: With service providers who perform functions on our behalf and require access to your information to provide those services (e.g., IT support, administrative systems). These third parties are obligated to protect your data. In response to legal processes or requests, such as subpoenas, court orders, or legal claims, or when we believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, your safety, or the safety of others, or to investigate fraud. With your explicit consent, for purposes such as coordinating care with other healthcare professionals. In connection with a business transfer, such as a merger or acquisition, where your personal data may be transferred as part of the assets.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures designed to protect your personal data from unauthorised access, use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including for the purposes of satisfying any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. This includes retaining clinical records in accordance with relevant health information legislation and professional guidelines.

Your Rights

Under data protection laws like the GDPR, you have certain rights regarding your personal data: The right to access the personal data we hold about you. The right to request rectification of inaccurate or incomplete personal data. The right to request erasure of your personal data under certain conditions. The right to restrict the processing of your personal data under certain conditions. The right to object to the processing of your personal data under certain conditions. The right to data portability, allowing you to receive your personal data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format and transmit it to another controller. If processing is based on your consent, the right to withdraw that consent at any time, without affecting the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the physical address provided below. We may require you to provide verification of your identity.

Children's Privacy

Our online platform and services are intended for use by individuals of all ages. For children under the age of 16, we process personal data with the consent of the parent or guardian where required by law. We are committed to protecting the privacy of children and handle their data with particular care.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our online platform may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your user experience, analyse usage patterns, and improve our services. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the new policy on our online platform. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

If you have any questions about this privacy policy or our data protection practices, please contact Melbourne Speech and Language Centre in writing at the following address:

Melbourne Speech and Language Centre 42 Collins Street Level 5 Melbourne, Victoria, 3000 Australia