Privacy Statement for Claire Watkins Acupuncture
Claire Watkins Acupuncture is committed to safeguarding the privacy of our clients. This Privacy Statement outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
1. Information We Collect:
We collect and process the following personal information:
- Billing and payment information
- Contact details (name, address, email, phone number)
- Health information relevant to Acupuncture treatments
2. How We Use Your Information:
We use your personal information for the following purposes:
In line with UK Health and Safety legislation if any patient, member of staff or visitor to the clinic has an accident this will be recorded.
Providing Acupuncture treatments and related services
The health information collected allows the Acupuncturist to make a Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis which therefore informs Acupuncture points used
Managing appointments and maintaining client records
Processing payments
Sending relevant communications, such as appointment reminders, updates and newsletter.
Your information will be used in the event of an insurance claim, criminal prosecution, complaint to the BAcC or civil litigation.
3. Legal Basis for Processing:
We process your personal information based on the necessity for the performance of a contract (providing Acupuncture services) and compliance with legal obligations.
4. Data Security:
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure the security and confidentiality of your personal information. Medical notes are stored on Clinko which is in line with GDPR and is password protected, this program is accessed on a password protected laptop. Any handwritten notes will not include identifying information (such as name, address, email) and will be cross shredded as soon as they are transferred onto Clinko. Consent for treatment will be obtained as a hardcopy and stored in a locked filing cabinet and include; name, date and signature only. Emails are not encrypted so security during transit cannot be assured.
5. Data Sharing:
- Your personal information is not shared with third parties unless required for legal or legitimate business purposes.
- We do not sell or rent your information to any external party.
- Data will be shared with the BAcC and the insurance company if a complaint or insurance claim is raised.
- Data will be shared with the GP or police if it is thought there is a threat to life.
- If legal proceedings are brought against Claire Watkins Acupuncture details will be shared with legal counsel.
- Data will be shared with the courts or the police if a court order is issued.
- Data will be shared if there is need to contact your GP regarding a health issue, consent will be sought for this.
- Data will be shared with the BAcC and the insurance company upon the occurrence of an adverse rection to Acupuncture in line with the BAcC Code of Professional Conduct.
- Data will be shared with the police if a safeguarding issue arises.
6. Data Retention:
Notes made during you appointments along with your personal information will be securely stored for 7 years in line with the BAcC Code of Professional Conduct.
7. Your Rights:
You have the right to:
- Access and rectify your personal information
- Withdraw consent (where applicable)
- Request erasure of your personal information when Claire Watkins Acupuncture no longer needs to retain your records.
- Object to processing
- Be informed if your data is lost
8. Contact Information:
For any enquiries or concerns regarding your privacy or data usage please contact our data officer: Claire Watkins at Claire Watkins Acupuncture at
9. Changes to This Privacy Statement:
We may update this Privacy Statement to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We recommend reviewing this statement periodically for updates.
Thank you for entrusting Claire Watkins Acupuncture with your personal information. Your privacy is of utmost importance to us.