Social Media Policy

Our guidelines for responsible and professional use of social media by the practice and its staff.

Purpose: To ensure that the use of social media by the practice and its staff maintains patient privacy, professional boundaries, and the reputation of the practice.

Section 1

Policy Statement

Essential Care does not use social media to communicate clinical or personal patient information. Any social media account representing the practice is used solely for general, non-clinical information (e.g., opening hours, community announcements).

Section 2

Staff Professional Behaviour & Boundaries

Staff must not post, discuss, or mention patients or work-related matters on personal social media.
Staff must not 'friend,' follow, message, or engage with patients on personal social media accounts.
Patient photographs, audio, or video must never be taken or shared.
Staff must protect confidentiality and comply with their professional code of conduct.

Section 3

Patient Interactions

The practice does not provide medical advice, clinical communication, or follow-up through social media.
Patients are directed to contact the practice by telephone for medical care.

Section 4

Breach of Policy

Failure to comply with this policy may result in:

Disciplinary action
Mandatory reporting (if applicable)
Legal consequences under privacy legislation

Section 5

Review

This policy is reviewed annually or when communication practices change.

Related Policy

Read our full privacy policy for how we handle patient information.

View Privacy Policy →

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