Privacy policy
Our Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Our Privacy Policy
As part of the services we offer, Merline Healthcare is required to process personal data about our staff, service users, and, in some instances, the friends or relatives of our service users and staff. “Processing” refers to the collection, recording, organisation, storage, sharing, or destruction of data. We are committed to being transparent about why we need your personal data and how we use it. This privacy notice outlines this information and explains your rights concerning your data.
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us:
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Data Protection Champion
Our Location
2477 Briercliff Road, New York 10001
Contact Numbers
07888870448
Our Email
info@merlinehealthcare.co.uk
Visit Between
Mon - Sat 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sunday: Closed
Service Users
What data do we have?
To provide a safe and professional service, we need to keep certain records about you. We may process the following types of data:
- Basic Details and Contact Information: Your name, address, date of birth, next of kin, and contact details.
- Financial Details: Payment methods or funding arrangements.
- Special Category Data: Health and social care data, including physical and mental health information. We may also collect data on race, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or religion, with your consent.
Why do we have this data?
We need this data to provide high-quality care and support. We process your data for the following reasons:
- We have a legal obligation under the Health and Social Care Act 2012 or the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
- It is necessary for us to provide and manage social care services.
- We are required to provide data to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as part of our public interest obligations.
- With your consent when required, we will explain clearly why we need the data and how you can withdraw your consent.
Where do we process your data?
Data is collected from or shared with:
- You or your legal representatives.
- Third parties, including other parts of the health and care system (hospitals, GPs, pharmacies, social workers, and health professionals), local authorities, and law enforcement, if required by law.
Staff
What data do we have?
To ensure you receive the support necessary for your job, we collect the following:
- Basic Details and Contact Information: Name, address, date of birth, National Insurance number, next of kin.
- Financial Details: Payment information, insurance, pension, and tax details.
- Training Records: Your qualifications and certifications.
We also process the following special category data:
- Health and Social Care Data: Information about your physical and mental health, such as fit notes or maternity/paternity pay details.
- Criminal Records Data: If necessary, we may require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for your role. This data is not stored once verified.
Why do we have this data?
We process your data because:
- We have a legal obligation under UK employment law.
- It is necessary for us to fulfill our legitimate interests, such as reporting workforce information to Skills for Care.
- We are required to comply with public interest obligations, like reporting to the CQC.
Where do we process your data?
Your data is collected from or shared with:
- You or your legal representatives.
- Third parties, such as Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), pension schemes, payroll providers, and law enforcement agencies, as required by law.
Friends/Relatives
What data do we have?
As part of our work providing high-quality care, we may hold basic details such as your name and contact information (e.g., next of kin or emergency contact).
Why do we have this data?
We process this data because we have a legitimate interest in keeping contact details for service users’ next of kin or lasting power of attorney.
Where do we process your data?
Your data is collected from or shared with:
- You or your legal representatives.
- Third parties in the health and care system, local authorities, and law enforcement agencies when required by law.
Your Rights
We ensure that the data we keep about you remains confidential and is used appropriately. You have the following rights regarding your data:
- Right to Access: You may request a copy of all the data we keep about you.
- Right to Rectification: If any data is inaccurate or incomplete, you may request correction or restrict processing while we address your request.
- Right to Erasure: You may request the deletion of your data if it is no longer necessary for the purpose it was collected.
- Right to Withdraw Consent: If you previously consented to data processing, you can withdraw this consent at any time.
- Right to Object: If we process your data for legitimate interests or public tasks, you have the right to object, and we will restrict processing while we assess your request.
We retain data following Information Governance Alliance guidelines. For more information, see the Records Management Code of Practice for Health and Social Care 2016.
