Holistic, expert care
for your child's mind

Privacy Policy

Data Collection

I maintain confidential records and information about my patients, beginning when a potential patient or parent contacts me through the website's contact form, professional secure email, or correspondence with the GP. During consultations, I take clinical notes covering relevant information for assessment and treatment, including physical health measurements, psychiatric and medical history, developmental history, educational history, and family background.

Following assessment, I prepare a psychiatric report, securely sent to the patients and their parents/guardians via email. With consent, the report may also be sent to the GP and/or educational professionals.

Communication

Contact with parents/guardians is initiated for the purpose of scheduling appointments and to gather and offer additional information relevant to the psychiatric consultation. Newsletters or group emails are not sent. I do not send unsolicited messages, marketing, or product information. I respond to enquiries from parents/guardians via secure email, telephone, or password-protected correspondence.

Data Security

I implement stringent measures to ensure complete confidentiality, including sending encrypted emails, password-protecting portable devices, employing up-to-date antivirus software, and securely storing notes. All data is accessible only by me. Information sharing, for instance with a patient's GP, occurs only with explicit consent from the patients and their parents/guardians.

Website & Cookies

This website is hosted by Netlify and serves as an online platform for patients to learn about services and make contact through the enquiry form. The site uses minimal cookies necessary for basic functionality.

Subject Access

Data obtained about patients is solely for providing optimal care and assuring service quality. Clinical records are retained in line with applicable health record retention guidance and medico-legal requirements. For children and young people, this usually means retaining records at least until the young person’s 25th birthday, or 26th birthday if they were 17 when treatment ended, unless a longer retention period is required. Patients may exercise their GDPR rights with a subject access request. Information is released upon written application with proof of identity, and responses are provided within one calendar month.

Consent

Upon initial contact, parents/guardians will be asked to complete a consent form. This allows patients to consent to the assessment and treatment process, specify preferred contact methods, and confirm their understanding of the privacy policy.

Disclosure of Personal Data

I maintain a private and confidential electronic record system, holding patient information in confidence. Patient names or information are not disclosed unless ethically or legally required, such as in cases of serious harm risk. Any proposed disclosure is discussed with the patient unless doing so would increase risk.

Ethics & Professional Development

I adhere to the code of ethics and good clinical practice outlined by the General Medical Council and Royal College of Psychiatrists. Ongoing education, regular supervision, peer group learning, annual appraisal, and revalidation are consistently pursued.

Feedback & Complaints

All feedback and complaints are welcomed and taken seriously. If you are unhappy with any aspect of the service, please contact me by email with details of your concern. I will acknowledge complaints within 5 working days and aim to provide a full response within 20 working days. Complaints are handled confidentially and will not affect your child’s care.

If your concern relates to data handling, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk.

Data Controller & Lawful Basis

The data controller is Dr Shimrit Ziv, Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist. The lawful basis for processing personal data for clinical care is GDPR Article 6(1)(f) (legitimate interests) and Article 9(2)(h) (health or social care purposes) for special category health data. Data is processed for the purposes of providing psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, treatment and clinical correspondence.

Data processors and systems used may include the website host (Netlify), secure email, clinical notes systems, payment processing and, where relevant, Pharmacierge for prescription delivery. Information may be shared with GPs, schools and other professionals only with explicit consent, or where required by law or safeguarding obligations.

For young people, I consider the young person’s own right to confidentiality alongside parental access, in line with Gillick competence principles and GMC guidance on children and young people.

Data Breach

Procedures are in place to detect, report, and investigate any personal data breaches. I am registered with the ICO and have procedures in place to support compliance with data protection obligations.

Last updated: June 2026

Cancellation Policy

I understand that unexpected situations may arise and that it may sometimes be necessary to cancel or reschedule your child’s appointment.

I kindly ask for a minimum of 48 hours’ notice for any cancellation or request to reschedule. This enables me, where possible, to offer the appointment slot to another patient.

Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 48 hours’ notice, or appointments that are missed without notice, will be subject to a charge of 50% of the appointment cost.

This charge reflects the clinical time reserved for the appointment, as well as associated room and administrative costs.

Information for GPs

I welcome referrals from GPs and other healthcare professionals, as well as self-referrals from families.

How to refer

You can refer a patient by emailing admin@drzivclinic.co.uk with a brief summary of the child's presenting concerns, relevant history and any previous assessments. A formal referral letter is helpful but not essential — I am happy to discuss suitability before a referral is made.

What to expect

I will acknowledge all referrals promptly, usually within one working day. Appointments are typically available within 2–4 weeks. Following assessment, you will receive a detailed letter summarising findings, diagnosis (where applicable), treatment recommendations and any medication initiated.

Ongoing communication

I provide thorough correspondence after every appointment and proactively keep referring clinicians informed of progress. I am always happy to discuss cases by phone or email if you have questions about a patient's care.

Prescribing

Where medication is initiated (for example, stimulant medication for ADHD), I will provide clear guidance on monitoring requirements and will write to you with a request for shared care where appropriate, in line with local prescribing guidelines.

Services I offer

Comprehensive holistic assessments for autism (ASD), ADHD, OCD, anxiety, emotional difficulties and complex presentations in children and young people aged 5–18. Both face-to-face (Nuffield Health Cambridge and Comberton) and remote (UK-wide) appointments are available.

Emergency & Crisis Information

In an emergency

In the event of a mental health emergency, dial 999 or visit your local emergency department, where trained mental health professionals are available at all times.

If you require assistance during regular working hours, you can also contact your GP, who has access to your complete mental health treatment history.

First Response Service

Call 111 and select the mental health option. Trained mental health practitioners are available to answer calls 24/7.

Helpful resources and contacts

Samaritans: Call 116 123 anytime, free, 24/7.

Lifeline: Call 0808 808 2121 between 11am and 11pm, 365 days a year. Free and staffed by volunteers.

Rethink Mental Illness: For carers, there is a support line run by individuals with experience as carers. In Cambridgeshire and Peterborough: 07783 267013.

Shout Crisis Text Line: Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, 24/7 crisis support.

Childline: Call 0800 1111, free, 24/7. For children and young people under 19.

Young Minds Parents Helpline: Call 0808 802 5544, free, Monday to Friday 9:30am–4pm.

Repeat Prescription Request

If your child is an existing patient with a stable medication regimen, you can request a repeat prescription using the form below.

Request form

Please complete the details below and we will process your prescription promptly.

Terms of Service & Patient Agreement

These terms set out the basis on which I provide psychiatric services. They are written in plain English. By booking an appointment, you are agreeing to these terms.

About the service

Dr Shimrit Ziv is a Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist and Paediatrician providing private outpatient psychiatric assessment and treatment for children and young people aged 5–18. Services are provided at Nuffield Health Cambridge, at the Comberton clinic and remotely by secure video consultation across the UK.

This is a private outpatient service. I do not provide inpatient care, emergency or crisis services, or out-of-hours cover. If your child is in crisis, please contact your GP, call 111, or attend A&E.

What is included

Each appointment includes the consultation itself, clinical notes, and correspondence with your GP. Where a formal assessment is undertaken (for example, autism or ADHD), a detailed written report is included. Psychoeducation is provided as part of every assessment. Ongoing follow-up appointments are booked separately.

What is not included

The service does not include 24-hour or out-of-hours cover, emergency or crisis intervention, inpatient care, therapy (for example CBT) — though I can refer to a therapist where appropriate — or school visits. Additional letters to schools, GPs or other professionals beyond standard post-appointment correspondence are subject to a separate fee.

Consent & parental responsibility

For children under 16, the person with parental responsibility must provide consent for assessment and treatment. For young people aged 16–18, consent is discussed directly with the young person in line with Gillick competence principles. Both parents’ views are considered where appropriate and where both hold parental responsibility.

Fees & payment

All services are subject to a fee. Current fees are confirmed before booking; no appointment is booked until costs have been agreed. Payment is due at the time of the appointment. I accept bank transfer and major debit/credit cards. Invoices are provided for insurance claims. I am a registered provider with WPA Health Insurance.

Cancellation & non-attendance

Please provide at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 48 hours’ notice, or missed appointments, will be subject to a charge of 50% of the appointment cost to cover room and administrative costs. This charge may be waived at my discretion in exceptional circumstances.

Prescribing & repeat prescriptions

Where medication is recommended, I will discuss the rationale, expected benefits and potential side effects with you and your child. Repeat prescriptions can be requested online and are subject to a fee. Please allow 3–5 working days for processing and submit requests at least 5 working days before medication runs out. Submitting a repeat prescription request does not guarantee a prescription will be issued; requests are reviewed clinically.

Shared care

Once a child is stable on medication, I will write to your GP requesting a shared care arrangement. Shared care depends on GP agreement and local prescribing policy. I cannot guarantee that a GP will accept shared care. If shared care is not accepted, ongoing private prescribing and review arrangements can be discussed.

Remote consultations

Remote consultations are conducted via secure video. You are responsible for ensuring a private, quiet space and a reliable internet connection. Some assessments (including ADOS-2 for autism) require a face-to-face appointment and cannot be conducted remotely.

Confidentiality & safeguarding

All consultations are confidential. Information is shared with GPs, schools and other professionals only with your explicit consent, except where disclosure is required by law or necessary to protect the safety of your child or others (safeguarding). I follow GMC and Royal College of Psychiatrists guidance on confidentiality and safeguarding at all times.

Complaints

If you are unhappy with any aspect of the service, please contact me by email. I will acknowledge complaints within 5 working days and aim to provide a full response within 20 working days. Complaints are handled confidentially and will not affect your child’s care. If your concern relates to data handling, you may also complain to the ICO at ico.org.uk.

Regulatory status

Dr Shimrit Ziv is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC), a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych), and a member of the Medical Defence Union (MDU) and British Medical Association (BMA). Face-to-face appointments at Nuffield Health Cambridge are provided under Nuffield Health’s CQC-registered location.

Last updated: June 2026