William Osler Health System (Osler) protects the privacy of any personal health information and personal information you may provide when visiting our website. Our information management practices have been designed to ensure compliance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 1990.
This privacy statement applies to interactions with Osler's website and does not apply to any other website you may link to from our site. Learn about patient privacy and safety. Learn more about our information practices related to personal health information.
Following is an overview of our website practices.
Personal health information and personal information
We may collect personal health information and personal information (collectively 'Information') from website users in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, when users visit our website, subscribe to the newsletter, fill out a form and in connection with other activities, services, features or resources we make available on our website. Users may be asked for, as appropriate, name, email address, mailing address and/or phone number. We will collect Information from users only if they voluntarily submit such Information to us. Users can always refuse to supply Information, except that it may prevent them from engaging in certain website related activities.
Non-personal information
We may collect non-personal information about users whenever they interact with our website. Non-personal information may include the browser name, the type of computer and technical information about users means of connection to our website, such as the operating system and the internet service providers utilized and other similar information.
Web browser cookies
Our website may use "cookies" to enhance the user experience. User's web browser places cookies on their hard drive for record-keeping purposes and sometimes to track information about them. User may choose to set their web browser to refuse cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. If they do so, note that some parts of the website may not function properly.
How we use collected information
Osler may collect and use users' Information for the following purposes:
- To improve patient/client experience
- Information you provide helps us respond to your requests and support needs more efficiently.
- To personalize user experience
- We may use information in the aggregate to understand how our users as a group use the website and various services and resources provided on our website.
- To improve our website
- We may use feedback you provide to improve our products and user experience.
- To send periodic emails
- If a user decides to opt-in to our mailing list, they will receive emails that may include hospital news, updates, related product or service information, etc. If at any time the user would like to unsubscribe from receiving future emails, we include detailed unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of each email.
How we protect your information
We adopt appropriate data collection, storage and processing practices and security measures to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure or destruction of your Information, username, password, transaction information and data stored on our website.
Sharing your Information
We do not sell, trade or rent users' Information to others. We may share generic aggregated demographic information not linked to any Information regarding visitors and users with our business partners, trusted affiliates and advertisers for the purposes outlined above. We may use third party service providers to help us operate our business and the website or administer activities on our behalf, such as sending out newsletters or surveys. We may share your information with these third parties for those limited purposes provided that you have given us your consent.
Third party websites
Users may find advertising or other content on our website that link to the sites and services of our partners, suppliers, advertisers, sponsors, licensors and other third parties. We do not control the content or links that appear on these sites and are not responsible for the practices employed by websites linked to or from our Site. In addition, these sites or services, including their content and links, may be constantly changing. These sites and services may have their own privacy policies and customer service policies. Browsing and interaction on any other website, including websites which have a link to our Site, is subject to that website's own terms and policies.
Changes to this privacy policy
Osler has the discretion to update this privacy policy at any time. We encourage users to frequently check this page for any changes to stay informed about how we are helping to protect the personal information we collect. You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to review this privacy policy periodically and become aware of modifications.
Your acceptance of these terms
By using this website, you signify your acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use our website. Your continued use of the website following the posting of changes to this policy will be deemed your acceptance of those changes.
Contacting us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, the practices of this website, or your dealings with this website, please contact the Freedom of Information and Privacy Office at 905-494-2120 ext. 29466 or through our online form.
