PRIVACY POLICY

This practice is committed to ensuring the protection of its patients personal information.

Your requesting treatment and our agreement to provide that care constitutes a contract. In the event that a patient refuses to provide relevant information, the practice reserves the right to refuse to treat that person. We have a legitimate interest in collecting certain information.

The information that we collect from patients may include the following

Personal details such as names, date of birth, home address, e mail address, and telephone numbers. Medical history of the patient, past and present. The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists currently provide us with a health questionnaire that is very extensive. Not only does it request information about illness’s, operations, prescribed medication, allergies etc but also requests sensitive information about mental health problems, smoking , drug and alcohol abuse. Details of the patient provided by third parties eg, General practitioner, consultant, physiotherapist or any other health professional who may have referred a patient. (In the event that we should refer a patient to a third party we would only do so after first notifying that patient and requesting their permission to do so.) A record of the on going treatment that we provide. This will include observations, symptoms, an assessment of the patients foot health and treatment record.

This information enables the practitioner to form a diagnosis and treatment plan that best suits the patient.

How is your information stored ?

Your medical history file is a paper record that is stored in a lockable metal cabinet. The office is locked outside office hours. E mails that are sent to the practice are replied on password protected devices.

Patients who request to see their records have a legal right to do so and should be provided with this opportunity. They can also request that we correct or erase any factual errors.

In the event that you feel that we have mishandled your personal data, you have the right to complain. If you feel dissatisfied with our response you have the right to raise the matter with the Information Commisioning office (ICO)

Privacy policy for children

For patients under sixteen years of age, we require a signed consent form from a parent or guardian.

Data retention

Your medical records are stored for 7 years after your last treatment to comply with legal requirements.

For further information on our Chiropody and Podiatry services please call 01227 360940 / 01795 430020 / 07985014566 or send us an email info@hernebaychiropody.co.uk