Privacy Policy
Last Updated: [25th May 2025]
Paula Cook Audiology Ltd (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your data when you use our services or visit our website: https://www.paulacookaudiology.co.uk (the “Website”).
1. Who We Are
Paula Cook Audiology Ltd provides audiology services, including hearing assessments, hearing aid fittings, and follow-up care. We are the data controller responsible for your personal data collected through our Website and in the course of providing clinical services.
2. What Personal Data We Collect
We may collect and process the following categories of data:
a) Information You Provide
• Contact details: Name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email address.
• Appointment information: Booking details and communications with us.
• Health and lifestyle data: Medical history relevant to your hearing, lifestyle impact information, hearing test results, and referrals (with your consent).
• Correspondence: Communications you send us or those exchanged with other professionals (with your agreement).
b) Information Collected Automatically
When you use our Website, we may automatically collect:
• Technical data: IP address, browser type, operating system, and usage patterns.
• Cookies and analytics: See our Cookie Policy for details.
3. Why We Collect Your Information
We use your personal data to:
• Provide you with effective audiology services and continuity of care.
• Monitor changes in your hearing over time.
• Book, confirm, and manage appointments.
• Respond to your queries or feedback.
• Send you service-related updates or reminders.
• Refer you to other professionals (only with your explicit consent).
• Improve our services and Website through analytics.
4. Legal Bases for Processing Your Data
We process your personal data under the following legal bases:
• Provision of healthcare services, which is a special category under UK GDPR.
• Performance of a contract, such as when delivering audiology services to you.
• Legal obligations, such as keeping clinical records in line with NHS guidelines.
• Legitimate interests, such as improving our services.
• Your consent, especially where required for sharing data or for marketing (which we do not engage in by default).
5. How We Share Your Data
We do not sell or trade your personal data. However, we may share it in the following limited circumstances:
• With trusted service providers, such as IT support and appointment systems, who operate under confidentiality agreements.
• With healthcare professionals, only if needed and with your explicit consent.
• To comply with legal or regulatory obligations, such as responding to a lawful request or investigation.
6. How We Store and Protect Your Data
We are committed to data security and confidentiality.
• Your data is stored securely using:
• Blueprint, a secure data management service.
• NOAH, a specialised hearing care platform.
• Both systems are protected by password encryption.
• No paper records are kept.
• Access to personal data is restricted to authorised personnel only.
7. Data Retention
In accordance with NHS England guidelines, we retain your data for a minimum of 8 years from the date of your last appointment. After this period, your data will be securely deleted or anonymised.
8. Your Rights Under UK GDPR
You have the right to:
• Access the personal data we hold about you.
• Rectify incorrect or incomplete information.
• Erase your data (“right to be forgotten”), subject to legal requirements.
• Restrict processing under certain conditions.
• Data portability, where applicable.
• Object to processing in some circumstances.
• Withdraw consent at any time, where consent is the basis for processing.
To exercise your rights, please contact us using the details below.
9. Cookies and Tracking
We use cookies to improve your experience on our Website and to analyse usage patterns. For more information, please refer to our Cookie Policy.
10. Third-Party Links
Our Website may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices. We recommend reviewing their privacy policies separately.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be published on this page along with the revised “Last Updated” date. Please check back regularly to stay informed.
12. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, please contact:
Data Controller: Paula Cook
Email: paula@paulacookaudiology.co.uk
Phone: 07973 430684 / 01494 957416
If you’re not satisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):