PRIVACY POLICY

Data Collection:

I maintain confidential records and information about my patients, commencing with data collection when a potential patient contacts me through the website's Contact Form, a professional secure email account, or letters to the GP. During patient consultations, I take clinical notes covering relevant information for the patient’s assessment and treatment, including physical health measurements, psychiatric and medical history, developmental history, educational history, and family background. Subsequently, I prepare a psychiatric report, securely sent to the patient/guardians via email. With consent, the letter may be sent to the GP and/or educational professional.

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 refrain from unsolicited messages, marketing, or product sales. I respond to inquiries from parents/guardians via secure email, telephone, or password-encrypted letters.

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

Website & Cookies

My website, hosted by Wix, serves as an online platform for patients to learn about the services and make contact through the contact form. Wix asserts full GDPR compliance. Visitors should note that Wix employs the following cookies: svSession, hs, incap_ses_${Proxy-ID}${Site-ID}, incap_visid${Proxy-ID}${Site-ID}, nlbi{ID}, XSRF-TOKEN, and smSession.

Subject Access Policy

Data or information obtained about patients is solely for providing optimal care and continually assuring service quality. Records are securely kept for seven years and then archived. Recognising the occasion when a patient may exercise GDPR rights with a subject access request, I release information upon a written application with proof of identity. Response to such applications occurs within one calendar month. Signing the consent form indicates the patient's understanding and agreement with the subject access policy for medical consultation notes.

Consent

Upon the initial contact, parents/guardians will be asked to complete a consent form. This form allows patients to consent to the assessment and treatment process, specify their 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. Generally, 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 disclosure would increase the risk to the patient or someone else.

Ethics & Professional Development

Adherence to the code of ethics and good clinical practice outlined by the General Medical Council and Royal College of Psychiatry is ensured. As required by all consultant 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 to enhance the service provided. Patients retain the right to complain to the ICO if they feel there is an issue with data handling.

Data Breach

Procedures are in place to detect, report, and investigate any personal data breaches. Membership with the ICO further ensures compliance.