How we use cookies
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer by websites that you visit. They are widely used in order to make websites work more efficiently, and sometimes provide useful information to the owners of the site.
There are some cookies necessary to this site functioning, such as interacting with our accessibility toolbar. These cookies will usually remove themselves when you close your browsing session. More information can be found in the ‘Necessary cookies’ section.
We use some additional cookies, such as Google Analytics, to help us gather information and improve the website. You have the option to deny use of these cookies; more information can be found in the ‘Additional cookies’ section.
| Cookie | Purpose | Expiry |
|---|---|---|
| cookieconsent_status | Persistently records your option regarding additional cookies. | 1 year |
The following necessary cookies allow the functions within our accessibility toolbar to work optimally.
| Cookie | Purpose | Expiry |
|---|---|---|
| accessibility-controls | Records option regarding additional cookies. | End of browsing session |
| saveFontSize | Allows the website (CMS) to record if the user’s font size selection. | End of browsing session |
| contrast-mode | Allows the website (CMS) to record the user’s contrast mode selection. | End of browsing session |
| googtrans | Allows the language of page content to be changed and records the language selected. | End of browsing session |
In order to help us to improve the content, format and structure of this website we record and analyse how visitors use the using Google Analytics.
You can read Google’s extensive information on data practices in Google Analytics.
You can opt-out of Google Analytics on our website by denying additional cookies or by using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
| Cookie | Purpose | Expiry |
|---|---|---|
| _ga | Distinguishes user for Google Analytics. | 2 years |
| _gid | Distinguishes user for Google Analytics. | 1 day |
| _gat | Throttles request rate for Google Analytics. | 1 minute |
| _ga_{ID} | Persists session state for newer versions of Google Analytics. | 2 years |
| _gat_gtag_UA_{ID} | Persists session state for older versions of Google Analytics. | 1 minute |
| __utma | Distinguishes user and session for Google Analytics. | 2 years |
| __utmb | Determines new session or visit for Google Analytics | 30 minutes |
| __utmc | Determines new session or visit for Google Analytics. | End of browsing session |
| __utmz | Stores traffic source for Google Analytics. | 6 months |
Captcha cookies
We use Google reCAPTCHA in order to verify whether or not you are a human when submitting data to the website. Most of the time, this will only be present on pages containing forms.
| Cookie | Source | Path | Purpose | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| _GRECAPTCHA _grecaptcha |
Google (www. |
/recaptcha | Provides risk analysis to Google spam protection. | 6 months |
Boston PCN – Patient Privacy Summary
This is a short, easy-to-read summary of how Boston Primary Care Network (PCN) uses your information. Each practice in our PCN (Swineshead, Kirton, Liquorpond, Greyfriars, Parkside, The Sidings) is an independent Data Controller but works together to provide your care.
1. Why we use your information
We use your information to provide you with safe, effective healthcare. This includes things like booking appointments, recording test results, sharing information with other health professionals involved in your care, and protecting public health.
2. What information we hold
We keep basic details (name, address, contact details) and special category information (health details, ethnicity, religion if relevant, and information about your care).
3. Sharing your information
We may share your information with other practices in the PCN and with trusted NHS and social care partners such as hospitals, community services, and safeguarding teams. We will only share what is necessary, and only when there is a lawful basis.
4. Your choices
You can choose to:
- Opt out of your data being used for research and planning (National Data Opt-Out)
- Say no to information sharing in certain cases (unless the law requires it)
- Withdraw consent if you previously gave it (e.g. for research contact).
5. How long we keep your data
We follow NHS rules on records retention. For example, GP medical records are usually kept for your lifetime plus 10 years.
6. Your rights
You have rights under data protection law, including the right to see your records, ask us to correct mistakes, and in some cases ask us to stop using your data.
7. Who to contact
If you have questions or concerns about how your data is used, please speak to your Practice Manager or contact our Data Protection Officer:
Paul Couldrey, PCIG Consulting Limited
Email: Couldrey@me.com
Postal: 7 Westacre Drive, Quarry Bank, Dudley, DY5 2EE
This summary is for information only. For full details, please read the full Boston PCN Privacy Notice.