This Privacy Policy describes how and when I collect, use, and share information when you have an appointment with myself. This is to comply with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) 2018.
What data is taken and why?
I am required by the HCPC and College of Podiatry to keep accurate, concise and relevant patient records which contain some personal details such as your name, contact details, medical history and details of the treatments I provide. I will take these details at your first appointment and at each visit I will update your records. This is to ensure I am practicing in a safe manner and is a legal obligation in case of a legal claim or court case. Patient records also help to assess an individuals needs and benefit your treatment plan.
Who will have access to these records?
I (Imelda Cotterell) will be the only person to have access to these records. If it is necessary for another health professional such as the doctor to view your records I will discuss this with you and obtain your consent before sharing any data.
How will they be stored?
All paper notes are secured in a locked cabinet in which only I have access. I do not keep electronic records.
How long are they kept?
I retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to provide you with my services and as described in my Privacy Policy. However, I may also be required to retain this information to comply with my legal and regulatory obligations, to resolve disputes, and to enforce my agreements. I am required to keep patient records for:
8 years for an adult after the last entry and
Up to the age of 25 for a child under 16 and
20 years for those that lack mental capacity.
Your Rights
You have a number of rights in relation to your personal information. While some of these rights apply generally, certain rights apply only in certain limited cases. I describe these rights below:
• Access. You have the right to access and receive a copy of the personal information I hold about you by contacting me using the contact information below.
• Change, restrict, delete. You may also have rights to change, restrict my use of, or delete your personal information. In the case of health records these are normally exempt from change and deletion requests.
• Object. You can object to (i) my processing of some of your information based on my legitimate interests and (ii) receiving marketing messages from me after providing your express consent to receive them. In such cases, I will delete your personal information unless I have compelling and legitimate grounds to continue using that information or if it is needed for legal reasons.
• Complain. If you wish to raise a concern about my use of your information (and without prejudice to any other rights you may have), you have the right to do so with the Information Commissioner.
Who to contact with a question?
If you have any questions please contact Imelda Cotterell using 07939 590561 or email imelda@midcornwallpodiatry.com