1. The Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following personal data:

• Identity and contact information: Name, date of birth, address, phone number, email.
• Medical information: Foot health concerns, GP details, medical history, clinical notes.
• Technical information: IP address, browser type, device type, and website usage data.
• Communications: Messages sent through forms or via email, including appointment requests or general enquiries.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your data to:

• Provide podiatry care and manage your treatment
• Schedule appointments and communicate with you
• Respond to enquiries
• Keep accurate medical and business records
• Improve our website and patient services
• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

We will only use your personal data where the law allows us to, including:

• When it is necessary to provide healthcare services
• When you have given your consent
• To comply with legal or regulatory obligations
• For legitimate business interests (e.g. improving patient experience)

3. Cookies and Similar Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences
• Improve functionality and performance
• Monitor website traffic using tools like Google Analytics

You can manage or disable cookies in your browser settings. See our Cookie Policy for more information.

4. Online Analytics and Advertising

We use analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to understand how visitors use our website. These tools collect anonymous usage data such as pages visited, device types, and time spent on pages.

We do not run targeted advertising or share identifiable data with advertisers.

5. How We Share and Disclose Your Information

We will never sell your data. We may share your data with:

• Your GP or other healthcare providers (with your consent)
• IT support or website hosting companies (under strict confidentiality)
• Legal, regulatory or insurance bodies if required by law

All third-party services used by Forest Podiatry are GDPR-compliant and operate under a data processing agreement.

6. Your Choices

You can:

• Choose not to share certain information, though this may impact our ability to provide care
• Opt out of non-essential communications
• Withdraw consent where it applies
• Disable cookies in your browser

To update your preferences, please contact us directly (see section 14).

7. Third Party Links and Services

Our website may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of other websites. We recommend reviewing their privacy policies before sharing your data.

8. Children’s Privacy

Forest Podiatry provides services to children with the involvement of a parent or guardian. We do not knowingly collect data from children without appropriate consent.

9. International Transfer of Data

All data is stored in the UK or EEA. If data is transferred outside these areas, we will ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to comply with UK GDPR standards.

10. Your Rights

Under data protection law, you have rights including:

• The right to access the personal data we hold about you
• The right to correct or update your information
• The right to request deletion (where applicable)
• The right to restrict or object to processing
• The right to withdraw consent (where we rely on it)
• The right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

To exercise your rights, please contact us (see section 14).

11. How Long We Store Your Information

We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes it was collected, our legitimate business needs or as required by law. Once no longer needed, it will be securely deleted.

12. Changes to Our Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on our website with the updated date. We encourage you to review this page periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

13. How We Protect Your Information

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data, including:

• Encrypted systems
• Password protection and access controls
• Secure website hosting and IT support
• Staff confidentiality agreements and data protection training

14. Forest Podiatry Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal data, please contact:

• Name: Iqra Rafiq
• Email: contact@forest-podiatry.co.uk
• Location: The Magnolia Therapy Centre, 354 Mansfield Road, Nottingham, NG5 2EF