Privacy Policy

Legal Disclaimer

The content on the EMPMB website is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be regarded as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

While we aim to ensure that the information presented is accurate and current, EMPMB makes no warranties or representations as to its accuracy, completeness, or reliability.

All online or in-person consultations are conducted by qualified healthcare professionals. However, this website does not replace emergency medical care.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact your nearest emergency service or hospital immediately.

Use of this website and related services is at your own discretion and risk. EMPMB accepts no liability for any loss, injury, or damage arising from reliance on the information provided.

Privacy Policy - The Basics

At EMPMB - Specialist Emergency Physician Led Care, we respect your right to privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA).

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you engage with us through our website, in person, or via online consultations.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of personal information:

Personal and contact details: Full name, ID number, phone number, email address, and physical address.
Medical information: Details shared during consultations necessary for diagnosis, treatment, or care.
Occupational information: Details relevant to worker injury assessments (e.g., police, factory, or farm workers).
Training and event information: For first responder or drowning prevention courses at schools or workplaces.
Website and technical data: IP address, browser type, and usage analytics collected automatically to improve our site and services.

2. Purpose for Collecting Personal Information

Your personal information is collected and used to:

Provide medical and emergency care services and manage online or virtual consultations.
Record and manage injury assessments and occupational health reports.
Deliver training programs and maintain attendance or certification records.
Communicate with you regarding appointments, services, and medical updates.
Comply with legal, ethical, and professional healthcare obligations.
Improve and maintain the functionality and security of our website and systems.

We will only collect information that is relevant and necessary for the purpose for which it is processed.

3. Lawful Processing under POPIA

We process your personal information lawfully and fairly, in line with POPIA principles.

Processing occurs when:

You have given consent to the processing of your information.
It is necessary for the performance of a service or medical contract.
It is required to comply with a legal obligation.
It protects your vital interests or is in the public interest (e.g., reporting notifiable medical incidents).

4. Data Security and Retention

We take appropriate and reasonable technical and organisational measures to secure your personal information against loss, damage, unauthorised access, or misuse.

Your information is stored securely and retained only for as long as is necessary for lawful purposes, including compliance with healthcare record retention laws and ethical obligations.

5. Disclosure and Sharing of Information

Your information will be treated as confidential and only shared when:
Necessary for your medical care, with other healthcare professionals or facilities directly involved in your treatment.
Required by law, regulation, or court order.
With your explicit consent, for example to share a report with your employer or insurer.
To service providers who assist us in operating our business (e.g., IT or billing support), under strict confidentiality obligations.

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties.

6. Your Rights under POPIA

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
To be informed about how your data is collected and used.
To access your personal information held by us.
To request correction or deletion of inaccurate, irrelevant, or excessive information.
To object to processing in certain cases (subject to legal requirements).
To withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.
To lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.

Contact details for the Information Regulator:
complaints.IR@justice.gov.za

https://www.justice.gov.za/inforeg

7. Online and Virtual Consultations

When you use our online consultation or telemedicine platforms, your data is protected by encryption and secure access controls.

We recommend that you also take reasonable precautions such as using a private internet connection and device during your consultation.

8. Use of Cookies and Website Data

Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to enhance user experience and analyse traffic.
You can choose to disable cookies through your browser settings, but some site features may not function properly as a result.

9. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal obligations.
The most recent version will always be available on our website, with the “Last Updated” date clearly shown.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact:

EMPMB - Specialist Emergency Physician Led Care
📍 Netcare St Anne's Hospital, 331 Burger Street Pietermaritzburg, 3201

📧 admin@empmb.co.za
📞 +27 83 842 3007