Virgule Health (“we”, “our”, “us”) is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information when you interact with us, whether through our website https://drpratibhapatil.co.uk/, social media, or when you receive care from us. Please read this policy carefully to understand how we handle your data and your rights under data protection law.

1. Who We Are

Virgule Health provides private healthcare services through Dr Pratibha Patil. Consultations are held at Woodlands Hospital. Virgule Health shares GDPR responsibility with Woodlands Hospital, who also securely store and protect medical records.

2. What Personal Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following information about you:

• Personal details such as your name, date of birth, address, contact number, and email address.
• Medical information required to provide you with healthcare services.
• Administrative information such as billing details, appointment history, and correspondence.
• Website interactions: Our website itself does not automatically collect personal data unless you choose to provide it (e.g., via email links).
• Cookies: If you leave a comment, log in, or publish content on the website (where applicable), cookies may be used to remember preferences such as login details or screen settings.

We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13 years of age. If you are under 13, please ask your parent or guardian to contact us on your behalf.

3. How We Collect Your Information

• Directly from you when you contact us by email, phone, or in person.
• Through medical consultations and healthcare services provided by Dr Pratibha Patil.
• Via Woodlands Hospital, who maintain and protect your medical records.
• Through website cookies or embedded content (such as videos, articles, or social media posts), which may behave as if you have visited the original source site.

4. Why We Collect Your Information

We use your personal data to:

• Provide safe and effective medical care.
• Manage your appointments and treatment.
• Communicate with you regarding your care.
• Meet legal, medical, and regulatory obligations.
• Improve our services and website experience.

5. Who We Share Your Information With

• Woodlands Hospital: Jointly responsible for managing and protecting your medical records.
• NHS: If you transfer your care or require onward referral, relevant medical information may be securely shared with NHS hospitals (e.g., University Hospitals Leicester).
• Administrative staff (such as medical secretaries) who help manage appointments and communications.

We do not share your data with third parties for marketing purposes.

6. How Long We Keep Your Information

• Email correspondence is kept for up to 6 months of inactivity, after which electronic copies are permanently deleted. Relevant emails may be printed and stored securely within your medical records.
• Medical records are retained in line with healthcare and legal requirements, securely managed by Woodlands Hospital.

7. International Data Transfers

We do not routinely transfer your personal information outside the UK. If such a transfer is required, we will ensure it is compliant with UK data protection law.

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you.
• Request correction of any inaccurate information.
• Request deletion of your data (subject to legal/medical record-keeping obligations).
• Object to or restrict the processing of your data in certain circumstances.
• Request data portability.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at [Insert dedicated privacy email address for Virgule Health].

9. Security of Your Data

• All hard copies of medical records are securely stored at Woodlands Hospital.
• Where necessary, physical records transported between hospitals are carried in a locked document bag.
• Emails containing sensitive medical information are discouraged, as email accounts may not be encrypted. Where such details are shared, a printed copy is filed in your medical records, and the electronic version is permanently deleted.
• Virgule Health and associated healthcare providers complete annual data protection training.

10. Data Breach Procedures

In the event of a data breach, we will notify Woodlands Hospital and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), in accordance with UK GDPR requirements.

11. Contact Us

For any privacy-related questions, requests, or concerns, please contact:

Virgule Health

Website: https://drpratibhapatil.co.uk/contact