HOSPITAL chaplains from nine denominations are working with Queensland Health officials to resolve problems caused by the implementation of new privacy laws.
Centacare’s director of pastoral ministries, Fr John Chalmers, said problems had arisen in hospitals across Queensland in the provision of chaplaincy services since Queensland Health issued a directive on the legislation in April.
The problems related to the regulations dealing with patients’ confidentiality and the restriction on chaplains having access to information necessary for them to fulfil their role.
Fr Chalmers, along with the representatives of chaplaincy services of the Baptist, Uniting, Anglican, Presbyterian, Church of Christ, Lutheran and Seventh Day Adventist Churches, and the Salvation Army met with Queensland Health general manager, Dr Steve Buckland on June 3 to discuss their concerns.
Fr Chalmers said the meeting was marked by a joint determination to work together constructively to find a solution ‘that both respects patients’ privacy and ensures that pastoral care services are not unnecessarily constrained’.
The Church representatives highlighted the problems being experienced for the patients, hospitals and chaplains.
Dr Buckland and his advisers will meet with the Church representatives again in a few weeks with a new proposal, having taken into consideration the highlighted concerns.
