We protect your information when you visit our website.
Here’s what we collect, how we use it, and how we keep it safe.
What information we collect
When you visit our website, we automatically collect some basic information to help the site work properly and stay secure.
This may include:
- Your browser type
- Your device or network (such as IP address)
- Pages you visit on our site
This information usually does not identify you personally.
This website is for general information only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have health concerns, please speak with a healthcare provider.
Cookies and website data
We use small files called cookies to:
- Help the website function
- Improve your experience
- Understand how people use our site
We also use tools like Google Analytics and Hotjar to collect anonymous information about how the site is used. This helps us improve content and navigation.
This data is not linked to you personally.
You can change your browser settings if you don’t want to accept cookies.
When you share information with us
If you:
- Send us an email
- Fill out a form
We will collect the information you provide so we can respond to you.
How we use and protect your information
- We use your information only for the purpose it was collected
- We limit access to authorized staff
- We follow privacy laws, including FIPPA
- We keep your information only as long as needed
- We do not share your information unless required or allowed by law.
Links to other websites
Our website may link to other sites.
We are not responsible for how those sites collect or use your information.
What personal information do we collect?
When you visit an Island Health website, our web server automatically collects a limited amount of information essential for the operation and security of our website. Some of this information (e.g., browser type) does not identify who you are, while other information, such as your Internet domain name or IP address may identify your organization or computer workstation. The extent of personal identification depends, in large part, on the "naming standards" followed by your Internet Service Provider.
Some Island Health websites may distribute small pieces of information (called "cookies") to web browsers to assist you when you return to specific areas on the site.
Islandhealth.ca uses Google Analytics and Hotjar to collect anonymous traffic data, which is not associated with any personally identifiable information. The Google Analytics service uses a "cookie" to collect the data, which is used solely by Island Health to improve use of the website for the public. Any numeric data or email addresses entered into content fields on our site are suppressed and not stored.
If you have concerns about the use of cookies, you can change your web browser to not accept this information or display warning messages.
When you voluntarily send us electronic mail or complete an electronic form that includes identifying information about you, we will keep a record of this information so that we can respond to you.
How do we protect and use the personal information that we collect?
Collection, use, disclosure and retention of information must comply with provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the BC Health Authorities Act. Personal information which is collected will only be used by authorized Island Health staff to fulfil the purpose for which it was originally collected or for a use consistent with that purpose. We do not disclose your information to any other public bodies or individuals except as authorized by law. We keep the information only for the length of time necessary to fulfil the purpose(s) for which it was collected.
An Island Health website may contain links to other websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of such websites.
More Information
For more information and for a copy of our policies, please visit our Information Access and Privacy Office web pages.
Disclaimer
Information found in this site does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health). The information is not intended to provide health care advice or as a substitute for consulting with your own physician. Health concerns should be discussed with a health-care professional.
Island Health is not responsible for information or opinions expressed in this website or in any web site available or accessed through this website.
Island Health expressly disclaims all representations and warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, efficacy or appropriateness of the information contained on this website or on any web sites available or accessed through this website.
All information on external sites is the property and responsibility of the authors or website managers of those external sites.
Island Health shall not be liable for any damages, claims, liabilities, costs or obligations arising from the use or misuse of the material contained in, through or accessed by this website.
If you do not accept the above terms, please exit this website now. Continued use of this website will be deemed acceptance by you of the foregoing terms.