Accessibility

We are committed to providing accessible and inclusive care for all members of our community.

We strive to:

  • Provide services that are respectful of individual accessibility needs
  • Remove barriers to care wherever possible
  • Offer accommodations, such as interpretation or support services, when available
  • Ensure our environment and communication methods are accessible
  • Comply with applicable accessibility standards and legislation

If you have specific accessibility needs, please let us know. We will work with you to support your care.

 

Client Declaration of Values

We are committed to living our mission of enabling health through healing, hope and wellness by placing our clients at the centre of care. Here is what you can expect when accessing our services, programs, and activities.

As a client, you have the right to:

  • Receive safe, high-quality, evidence-based care that reflects available resources and accepted standards
  • Be treated with dignity, respect, and consideration
  • Ask questions and receive clear, understandable answers
  • Understand your diagnosis, treatment options, procedures, and expected outcomes
  • Receive the information needed to make informed decisions about your care, including risks, benefits, and alternatives
  • Accept or refuse treatment, as permitted by law, and be informed of the consequences
  • Have your privacy and confidentiality protected in accordance with the law
  • Access your health records, within legal limits
  • Be informed about Health Centre policies, procedures, and expectations
  • Share feedback or make a complaint and be informed of the complaint process

 

Client Responsibilities

We work in partnership with our clients. As a client, you are expected to:

  • Attend appointments or provide at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel
  • Follow agreed-upon care and treatment plans
  • Inform us if you choose not to follow your treatment plan
  • Provide accurate and complete information needed for your care, including care received from other providers
  • Follow guidelines for group programs to support a safe and respectful environment
  • Attend to personal hygiene before visiting the Health Centre
  • Not attend appointments while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Respect the professional relationship with Health Centre providers and program leaders
  • Treat staff, volunteers, and other clients with respect and without threatening behaviour

 

Privacy

We understand that your health information is personal. All team members at Compass Community Health are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal health information.

How We Collect and Use Your Information

We collect personal health information directly from you or from someone acting on your behalf. This may include:

  • Name, date of birth, and contact information
  • Health history and family health history
  • Records from visits with other healthcare providers
  • Test results and procedure information

With your consent, or where permitted by law, we may also collect information from other sources.

We use your information to:

  • Provide care and treatment
  • Deliver programs and services
  • Manage and improve our operations and services
  • Send appointment reminders and health screening notifications
  • Support quality improvement and risk management
  • Educate staff and support training
  • Meet legal and regulatory requirements
  • Conduct research and improve client safety and access to care

Your Choices

You have the right to:

  • Access and request corrections to your health records
  • Withdraw your consent for certain uses or sharing of your information (subject to legal limits)

To make a request, please speak with reception staff.

How We Protect Your Information

We take steps to safeguard your personal health information from loss, theft, and unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.

We also:

  • Conduct regular audits and investigations to ensure compliance
  • Require all staff and service providers to protect your information
  • Ensure your information is only used for the purposes you have consented to, or as permitted by law

In some situations, we may be required or permitted by law to share your information without consent (for example, to reduce the risk of serious harm or to meet mandatory reporting requirements).

 

Questions or Concerns

If you have questions or concerns about our privacy practices, please contact:

Privacy Officer

Ram Shankar
Compass Community Health
438 Hughson Street North
Hamilton, ON L8L 4N5
Phone: 905-523-6611 ext. 3030
Email: rshankar@compassch.org

You may also contact:

Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario

2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1400
Toronto, ON M4W 1A8
Phone: 1-800-387-0073
Email: info@ipc.on.ca

 

Policies and Resources

View our 2022–2027 Accessibility Plan and Policy (PDF) 

View our 2023 AODA Compliance Report (PDF) 

View our Chief Privacy Officer Policy (PDF) 

View our Chief Privacy Officer Job Description (PDF)