Data Protection

Data Protection

So new data protection laws come into force from the 25th of May this year. I have worked hard to ensure everything is in place for my patients here at Parkfields Homoeopathy. So, I'm now ICO registered and to let you know that as a patient at Parkfields Homoeopathy you can expect this:

Here in Parkfields Homoeopathy, I, Giovanna Giraud-Saunders, take your privacy very seriously. Therefore I urge you to read this privacy policy carefully. It contains important information about how I handle your contact details and personal information.

The legal basis of this contract is your consent. This means that I will only collect and store information about you which you have submitted to me.

Furthermore I will only collect and store information about you which is important to fulfil my role as your homoeopath to find the best matching homoeopathic prescription to meet your individual needs.

The data I collect from you is stored in a secure designated location. It is secured from external access and my computer is protected by pass word.

I hold data in the following way that no individual can be identified by anybody other than me:

·         Email addresses on my computer, which is protected by password

·         A separate paper patient registration form

·         A separate patient paper file with handwritten notes I take during consultations

·         A separate patient paper prescription sheet

·         A laptop without Internet access and no possibilities to connect via wireless, where I write up the case

·         A data stick as a back-up in case of accidental loss, damage or destruction.

You can request the data I hold on you. Within a 14 day time frame I can give you an overview of my case notes about your presenting symptoms, a symptom analysis and the medicines I prescribed for you. The requested information will be sent to you as a letter by post.

A request to access personal data must be made in writing and signed by the patient. Emailed requests, or requests made via text are not acceptable.

You have the right to request the erasure of your data but there are limitations.

Legally I have to store patient data for 7 years following the last occasion on which treatment was given. For children I have to store data for 7 years following their 18^th birthday. However, my insurer requests that I keep patients files for the following reasons:

·          That I can comply with a legal obligation for the performance of a public interest task, or exercise of     legal authority

·          For public health purposes in the public interest

·          The exercise or defense of legal claims

Nevertheless I have the possibility to erase your contact details like email address from my computer with internet access when I do not need it anymore.

I also ask you to inform me of any change in your contact details, such as changes of name, address or telephone numbers.

In any other case your personal information will not be shared with anybody without your consent.

If personal, special category data gets compromised in case of an unforeseen event like a fire or a burglary then I will notify you immediately about the loss of your data.