Brightshores Privacy Office
At Brightshores Health System, we treat your personal health information with respect and sensitivity. We do so in accordance with the Ontario Personal Health Information Protection Act – Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004, S.O. 2004, c. 3, Sched. A (ontario.ca) – and all other applicable laws.
1800 8th St E, Owen Sound, ON, N4K 6M9
519-376-2121 Ext 1440
Hours of Operation
Monday to Friday
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The people at Brightshores who provide and support your care are allowed to see your health information. This group could include doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, spiritual care providers and other health professionals. Students may also work with your health care team under the guidance of qualified teachers.
Brightshores Health System is committed to conducting its business in a manner that promotes transparency and accountability.
Any member of the public may make a request to obtain hospital records as part of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. If you wish access to hospital documentation, please send your request to fippa@brightshores.ca or call 519-376-2121 Ext. 1440.
Please note that we will contact you within 5 business days to confirm receipt of e-mail, and to ask any follow-up questions regarding your request. Please be as specific as possible in describing what type of records you would like to receive.
There is a $5.00 fee for processing requests. Cheques must be made payable to:
Brightshores Health System
1800 8th Street East
Owen Sound, Ontario
N4K 6M9
Depending on the amount of work required to collect the information to fulfill your request, there may be additional charges. You will be notified in advance of any additional charges, and you will have the opportunity to agree to pay the additional fee, modify your request, or withdrawal your request.
Further information on the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and its application to hospitals, is available from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Freedom of Information Request
To make an access request for general records of personal information held by Brightshores, please contact our privacy office at privacy@brightshores.ca.
Hours and Contact
Monday to Friday
8:00AM – 4:00PM
519-376-2121, ext. 2259
Brightshores Consent to Disclose Personal Health Information Form
Requesting Your Medical Records
Under Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) you have a right of access to your own personal health information.
Brightshores Health System has a dedicated Health Record’s department who is responsible for processing all health information requests.
To submit a request for information or access to your personal health records, please use one of the following options:
Email: roi@brightshores.ca
Phone: 519-376-2121 ext. 2259
Fax: 519-372-2718
ConnectMyHealth
ConnectMyHealth is a digital health solution that provides you with an online, single access channel to view your health records from participating hospitals in the Ontario Health West Region (Southwestern Ontario).
Visit https://info.connectmyhealth.ca/home to register.
For assistance with ConnectMyHealth please call 1-833-824-0265 or email support@connectmyhealth.ca.
PocketHealth
PocketHealth is a secure online image-sharing platform that helps us make it easier for you to get the patient records you need. PocketHealth helps speed up access to medical imaging records online for patients.
If you are unable to pay the fee to use PocketHealth, please call the PocketHealth patient support line at 1-855-381-8522 or help@pocket.health
Unlimited – ($49 billed annually)
- The Unlimited plan allows you to request imaging records from an unlimited number of PocketHealth connected sites for you and up to four family members for an entire year. It’s best suited for when you think you or your family will have regular imaging done over the next three months or longer.
- On this plan, patients can use PocketHealth to store and share lab results that they upload on their own.
FLEX – ($10 monthly)
- The FLEX plan allows you to request imaging records from an unlimited number of PocketHealth-connected sites for you and up to four family members for a month. It is best suited for when you only have short-term imaging needs.
How to access your records:
- Go to pockethealth.com/brightshores to request your records.
- Once your records are ready to view, you’ll receive an email from PocketHealth with a secure link.
- Instantly download and share your records.
- Receiving physicians can then easily view or import these images in full diagnostic quality with no software or account set-up needed.
For additional support, please contact PocketHealth Suppport at 1-855-768-4455 or help@pocket.health .
Privacy Principles at Brightshores Health System Under PHIPA
Brightshores Health System is committed to protecting the privacy of personal health information (PHI) in compliance with Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). The following ten principles guide our collection, use, disclosure, and safeguarding of PHI:
- Accountability
As a health information custodian, Brightshores is responsible for the PHI in our custody or control. We have appointed a Chief Privacy Officer (CPO) to oversee compliance with PHIPA and our internal privacy policies.
- Identifying the Purpose of PHI Collection
Before or at the time of collection, Brightshores will clearly identify the purposes for which PHI is being gathered, ensuring transparency and alignment with patient care, research, or operational needs.
- Consent for Collection, Use, and Disclosure
Brightshores requires the knowledge and consent of the individual (or their authorized representative) before collecting, using, or disclosing PHI, except where permitted or required by law.
- Limiting Collection of PHI
We will only collect the minimum amount of PHI necessary to fulfill the identified purposes. All collection practices will be fair, lawful, and aligned with PHIPA requirements.
- Limiting Use, Disclosure, and Retention
PHI will not be used or disclosed for purposes other than those for which it was collected, except with consent or as permitted by law. Brightshores will retain PHI only for as long as necessary to fulfill its intended purpose, after which it will be securely disposed of or de-identified.
- Accuracy of Personal Health Information
PHI in Brightshores’ custody will be maintained as accurate, complete, and up-to-date to the extent necessary for patient care and other authorized purposes. Patients may request corrections if they identify errors.
- Safeguarding PHI
We employ appropriate administrative, physical, and technological safeguards to protect PHI from unauthorized access, loss, theft, or disclosure. These measures align with industry standards and evolving privacy risks.
- Openness and Transparency
Brightshores is committed to transparency about how PHI is managed. We provide patients with clear and accessible information about our privacy policies, available upon request or via our website.
- Individual Access to PHI
Patients (or their substitute decision-makers) have the right to request access to their PHI held by Brightshores. Upon request, we will inform individuals about the existence, use, and disclosure of their PHI and provide access in accordance with PHIPA. Individuals may also request corrections to their records.
- Addressing Privacy Concerns and Complaints
Patients and staff can direct any privacy-related questions, concerns, or complaints to Brightshores’ Privacy Office. If concerns remain unresolved, individuals have the right to escalate their complaint to Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC).
Frequently Asked Questions
How is my health information used?
In accordance with Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), we may use and disclose your personal health information (PHI) for the following purposes:
To provide safe and effective care – ensuring you receive the appropriate treatment, diagnosis, and ongoing care.
To process payments for your care – including billing through OHIP, WSIB, private insurers, or other payors.
To support patient safety and risk management – identifying and addressing potential risks in healthcare delivery.
To improve the quality of our services – through audits, evaluations, and quality improvement initiatives.
For education and training – helping healthcare professionals and students enhance their skills and knowledge.
For approved research projects – when permitted by PHIPA and Research Ethics Board (REB) approvals.
To compile and analyze healthcare statistics – supporting planning, resource allocation, and system improvements.
For fundraising initiatives – to enhance programs, services, and patient care (subject to opt-out options).
To meet legal and regulatory obligations – including mandatory reporting and compliance with healthcare regulations.
For other purposes permitted or required by law – ensuring adherence to legislative and policy requirements.
We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring your personal health information is used responsibly and securely. If you have any questions or concerns about how your PHI is managed, please contact our Privacy Office.
How do I request medical images?
Brightshores Health System uses PocketHealth to share patient’s medical imaging records with them. Patients can also call our Film Library. If you require a copy of your image results, please call 519-372-3927.