Is the Health Sciences Ombuds Office really confidential?
The ombuds office is firmly committed to maintaining the confidentiality of those who use our services and will keep all information confidential to the extent allowed by law. The ombuds will not disclose that you came to the ombuds office or any part of your confidential communications unless in the course of your discussions, the ombuds asks for and receives your permission to do so. In those situations in which the ombuds believes that talking with someone may help your situation, the ombuds will ask for your permission before any disclosures are made. We keep no permanent records of client names, affiliations or grievances. The only exception to this confidentiality is when the ombuds determines that an imminent risk of serious harm exists. If you have particular concerns about confidentiality, please be sure to raise the issue when you meet with the ombuds. This confidentiality cannot be “waived” by users of the office because the privilege of confidentiality belongs to the ombuds
