PRIVACY POLICY
Last updated: 12 January 2026
Helix Osteopathy (“we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your data in line with UK data protection law, including the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
1. Who We Are and How to Contact Us
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Controller: Helix Osteopathy
Address: Ground Floor, 47c The Quadrant, Marshalswick AL4 9RB
Email: helixosteopathy@outlook.com
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If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we use your data, please contact us using the details above.
2. The Information We Collect
Personal Data
We may collect the following information:
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Name, address, date of birth, phone number, and email address
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Appointment details and booking information
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Payment details (not full card numbers if processed by a third‑party provider)
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Email or form enquiries
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Marketing preferences
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Special Category Data (Health Information)
As a healthcare provider, we also collect sensitive health information such as:
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Medical history and symptoms
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Treatment notes and clinical assessments
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Relevant lifestyle or injury information
This information receives additional legal protection.
3. How We Collect Your Information
We collect personal data in the following ways:
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Directly from you when you book, complete forms, or contact us
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During appointments and assessments
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From other healthcare professionals involved in your care (with appropriate consent or confidentiality basis)
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Through cookies/analytics on our website
4. Why We Use Your Data and Our Legal Bases
We must identify a lawful basis under Article 6 UK GDPR and, for health data, an additional condition under Article 9.
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We use your data for:
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Providing Osteopathic Care
To assess, diagnose, and treat you.
Legal bases:
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Contract (providing treatment you request)
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Legitimate interests
Health basis:
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Health or social care provision (Article 9(2)(h))
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Clinical Records and Compliance
Keeping accurate medical records and fulfilling legal or regulatory requirements.
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Legal bases:
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Legal obligation
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Legitimate interests
Health basis:
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Health or social care provision
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Communication About Appointments
Sending reminders, confirmations, or updates.
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Legal basis:
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Contract or legitimate interests
Payments and Administration
Handling invoices, payments, and clinic management.
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Legal bases:
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Contract
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Legal obligation
Marketing (Optional)
Sending newsletters or updates.
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Legal basis:
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Consent (you can withdraw at any time)
Or where allowed:
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Soft opt‑in for existing clients
We do not use your health information for marketing.
5. Confidentiality
All health information is handled with strict confidentiality, in line with the Common Law Duty of Confidentiality and professional healthcare standards. We only share information when necessary for your care, legally required, or with your permission.
6. Who We Share Information With
We may share your data with:
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Healthcare professionals involved in your care
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Service providers such as website, booking, or clinical record systems
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Payment processors
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Regulators or authorities where legally required
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All third‑party providers must protect your data appropriately.
7. International Transfers
If any of our service providers store or process data outside the UK, we follow ICO guidance on international transfers.
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This includes:
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Ensuring the destination country has an adequacy decision, or
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Using approved safeguards (e.g., UK International Data Transfer Agreement)
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We only transfer data when appropriate protection is in place.
8. How Long We Keep Your Information
We keep personal data only as long as necessary.
Health records are retained in line with professional guidelines and insurer requirements. After this, records are securely deleted or anonymised.
You may contact us if you wish to know specific retention periods.
9. Your Rights
You have the right to:
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Access your data
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Correct inaccurate information
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Request erasure (in some circumstances)
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Restrict processing
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Object to certain processing
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Request data portability
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Withdraw marketing consent at any time
To exercise your rights, please contact us. We will respond within one calendar month.
10. Cookies and Website Tracking
Our website uses cookies to:
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Ensure the site works correctly (essential cookies)
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Understand how visitors use the site (analytics cookies)
You can manage your cookie preferences through our cookie banner or your browser settings.
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Marketing and analytics cookies require consent under UK PECR rules unless covered by specific, limited exemptions. Essential cookies do not require consent.
11. Security Measures
We take steps to protect your data, including:
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Secured systems and encrypted connections
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Restricted access to clinical data
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Staff confidentiality obligations
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Regular data protection reviews
If a data breach poses a risk to you, we will notify you and the ICO where required.
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12. Children’s Data
Where we provide treatment to children, we collect information from parents/guardians and assess the child’s ability to understand their privacy rights. We always safeguard the child’s confidentiality appropriately.
13. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our services or legal requirements. When we do, we will update the “Last updated” date at the top of the page.
14. How to Make a Complaint
If you have concerns about how we handle your data, please contact us first on helixosteopathy@outlook.com