Your Privacy
This section explains how I use and protect any personal and medical information you give to me.
What information is collected and how is it stored?
During your consultation I will record personal data and relevant medical information on a password protected electronic device. I will also record other conversations we may have via email, telephone, face to face discussion or social media in the same way.
Encrypted memory sticks are used to store long term records securely.
Why is this information collected?
Records specific to your circumstances will enable a full assessment and ensure appropriate planning, care and support for you and your baby during the consultation, and allow ongoing support and evaluation of your care as needed.
I am also required by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLE) to record any communications we have within your records.
Is this information shared?
Often it is helpful for other health professionals involved with you or your baby’s care (GP, midwife, health visitor or referring breastfeeding supporter) to share information taken during our consultation. This will only be done with your consent, and if relevant to your care.
If your baby has a tongue-tie division I will write to your GP and health visitor to inform them. This will include a summary of the procedure and post-division care for your baby’s records, and enable continued support from health professionals involved in your baby’s care.
If there are concerns about the safety of your baby my legal/regulatory obligations to the NMC Code of Professional Conduct would require me to share your information with relevant authorities. Your consent would not be needed in this instance.
Photographs may be used as part of your baby’s consultation record, with your consent. Your permission will also be required for photographs used for educational or publicity purposes.
I will never sell your personal information to third parties or use it for marketing purposes.
In the event of a complaint or legal proceedings consultation records may need to be shared, with your consent, with my insurance company and/or legal advisors.
Anonymised information provided by you may be used and shared for audit and/or research purposes.
I will do what I can to ensure that your data is securely stored using password protection, encryption and the use of antivirus/firewall software.
How long will information about you and your baby be kept?
I am legally required to store medical information relating to your baby’s care until their 25th birthday.
In exceptional circumstances such as ongoing issues relating to safeguarding, public protection or legal proceedings your data may be kept for longer.
Access to your information
Following our consultation I will email you a copy of our consultation notes.
You also have the right to see everything I have recorded about you and your baby – please email me with your request.
If you feel anything I have recorded is inaccurate please let me know so that I can change it or remove the inaccuracy.
Any concerns about how I look after your information?
Please contact me in the first instance if you are concerned about the way I collect and use your personal and/or medical data.
If we are unable to resolve your concerns you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk