This Privacy Policy describes how and when we collect, use, and share information when you attend an appointment at this clinic, purchase a product from us, contact us, or otherwise use our service; this is in compliance with the Data Protection Act, including General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) 2018.

Information We Collect
When you register with us, or during the course of your treatment, or as part of purchasing something from our business, you will normally provide us with certain information such as: your name, email address, postal address, medical information and payment information. We will store your information on an electronic patient record and calendar system which is fully password protected. Your payment card details will not be stored. Additionally, we will record, in electronic form, details of your treatment and any associated medical information along with any products purchased. This information will be stored electronically off site in a UK data centre. Some basic financial transaction details are stored electronically on local computers. None of this information is ever shared with any person or company outside of this Practice other than for the purposes of your continued treatment (for example a letter to your GP) in which event you will be informed and the details will be stored in your patient record.  No patient information or personal details are stored on any other media, including in paper form. Any personal information in paper form is simply for day-to-day operational purposes and is shredded mechanically at the end of the working day.

We will never pass or sell your information to a third party.

Why We Need Your Information and How We Use It
We collect, use, and share your information for various purposes, including:

• where it is necessary for the purposes of the provision of healthcare services, such as when we use your information to fulfil your podiatry assessment and treatment or to provide further advice;

• if necessary, to comply with a legal obligation or court order or in connection with a legal claim.

Information Sharing and Disclosure
Information about our patients/customers is an important aspect of our business. We may share your personal information for very limited reasons and in limited circumstances, as follows:

• Medical professionals - with your consent, we will share information with medical professionals such as your GP, consultant, or healthcare professional to allow continuity of care;

• Business changes – should the business ever be sold or merged with another business, your information may be disclosed as part of that transaction, but only to the extent permitted by law;

• Legal compliance - we may collect, use, retain, and disclose your information if we are legally required to do so.

Storage of Electronic Data
All of our patient data is stored within the United Kingdom.

Data Retention
We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary. We are required to retain this information to comply with our legal and regulatory obligations or to resolve any issues. The retention period of healthcare records is a minimum of eight (8) years, following the last appointment.  For customers who are not patients but who have bought products from our business, we will keep any data you have provided for a minimum of six (6) years.

Your Rights
You have certain rights in relation to your personal information. While some of these rights apply generally, some apply only in specific, limited cases. These rights are described below:

• You have the right to access and receive a copy of the personal information that we hold about you upon written request to this Practice.

• You have a right to change, restrict our use of, or delete your personal information. Healthcare treatment records are exempt from change and deletion requests.

• If you wish to raise a concern about our use of your information (and without prejudice to any other rights you may have), you should do so, in writing, to this Practice.

How to Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments about this Privacy Policy, or if you want to know more what information we have collected about you, please contact our Operations Director, in writing, at:

email: contact@soniamorganpodiatry.co.uk

Post: Sonia Morgan Podiatry Ltd, The Old Surgery, 1A St Patricks Road North, Lytham St Annes, FY8 2AY.