Privacy Policy for Green Leaf Speech and Language Therapy
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Information about the data I keep about children and families:
As a member of the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy I follow many guidelines about how to keep case-notes properly and safely. In addition since May 25th 2018 there are new guidelines called General Data Protection Regulation.
What data do I collect about children?
As soon as I am asked to see a child for speech and language therapy I will ask the parents (or the people who have parental responsibility for the child) for written consent to see their child for assessment and therapy. At that time I also collect data about the child e.g. their name, date of birth, address, school or nursery. I will also find out about their communication difficulties and other information about their progress e.g. from parents, school staff. I need this information so that I can ensure that the therapy I do with the child is appropriate for them.
If I am asked to see a young person (16 years- 25 years) I will usually seek their written consent as well as their parent's consent to see them.
If I continue to see the child/young person for therapy I will carry on collecting information about them e.g. how they are progressing at school, if they are seeing other professionals. Every time I see a child/young person I will make notes on their progress and what we do in the session.
How do I store the data I have?
I have a paper file on each child/young person which is stored in a locked cabinet. I have some documents that are stored on a computer which is password protected e.g. reports and forms.
Do I pass on the information I have?
I will share information with other people working with the child e.g. teachers, NHS speech and language therapist. I will only share the information I have if it helps everyone to meet your child's needs. I will share information, if I have reason to believe the child is in danger, with the appropriate professionals.
I will never sell your information to a third party or share with a third party who want to sell you something.
What happens if a there is a data breach e.g. I am burgled or my computer is hacked?
As soon as I am aware there has been a problem I will notify you that your data may have been stolen or lost.
What happens after I finish seeing your child?
If I no longer see your child I archive the paper and computer files about them and store them safely. My governing body; HCPC, require that I store these files until the child is 25 years old in case there is any issue in the future which means we need to consult my case-notes. In the event of my death the files are destroyed.
What about photographs?
Sometimes I may need to store photographs of children and their families e.g. if I am making a communication book or an "All about me" book for the child. The photographs will be stored on password protected devices.
Web-site
The Greenleaf web-site is for information only, I gather and store no information via my web-site.
Any questions?
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or queries about how I store or manage data.
Claire Winwood
Speech and Language Therapist
Green Leaf Speech and Language Therapist
Member RCSLT, Registered HCPC