Your information, treated with care.

Requesting records under PAIA

The Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (PAIA) gives you the right to request access to records held by Avela Medical Practice. As a private medical practice, we process requests in line with PAIA and the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Clinical records are also subject to the ethical rules of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

How to submit a request

Requests must be made in writing and sent to the practice using the contact details below. Please use the subject line "PAIA request" so that we can identify and process your request promptly.

What to include in your request

• —Your full name and, where you are requesting on behalf of someone else, proof of your authority to act for that person.
• —Contact details (telephone number and email or postal address) so we can reach you about your request.
• —Enough detail to identify the record you want — for example, the type of record, the date or period it relates to, and the patient's name where applicable.
• —The form of access you would like (a copy of the record, inspection at the practice, or a transcript).
• —A copy of your identity document or other acceptable identification.

What happens next

We will acknowledge your request and respond within the timeframes set by PAIA. A reasonable access fee may apply, as allowed by the Act; we will let you know any fee before processing. Some records may be withheld where the law permits — for example, to protect the confidentiality of a third party — and we will give you reasons if so.