Privacy Policy

Claire Dolan Occupational Therapy
Effective Date: 01-06-2025

Claire Dolan Occupational Therapy is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Data Protection Acts 1988–2018, and the CORU Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics. This policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your data when you engage with our occupational therapy services.

1. Who We Are

Claire Dolan is a CORU-registered Occupational Therapist providing specialist assessments and interventions for adults and families. We offer services such as neurological rehabilitation, vocational support, cognitive and fatigue management, parenting support, and return-to-work planning.

2. What Information We Collect

We collect the following types of personal data:

Identification data: Name, address, contact details (phone/email)
Health and medical data: Medical history, referral information, assessment findings, therapy goals, treatment plans, and progress notes
Administrative data: Appointment dates, payment information, correspondence records

This information may be collected directly from you, your parent/guardian, referring healthcare professionals, or through secure digital intake forms.

3. Why We Collect Your Data

We collect and process your personal data for the following lawful purposes:

To provide occupational therapy assessment and treatment
To contact you regarding appointments or follow-up
To collaborate with other healthcare professionals (with your consent)
To comply with legal and professional obligations under CORU and GDPR
To maintain accurate clinical records in line with best practices and Irish healthcare law

4. Legal Basis for Processing

Your data is processed under the following GDPR lawful bases:

Article 6(1)(b): Processing necessary for the performance of a contract (provision of therapy services)
Article 6(1)(c): Compliance with a legal obligation (CORU and health recordkeeping)
Article 9(2)(h): Processing necessary for the provision of health or social care

5. How We Store and Protect Your Data

We take the confidentiality and security of your information seriously. Your data is stored securely using encrypted digital systems and password-protected devices. Paper records (if any) are stored in locked cabinets in secure premises.

Access to data is restricted to the occupational therapist and, where applicable, administrative support bound by confidentiality agreements.

6. Sharing Your Information

We do not share your data without your explicit consent, unless:

Required by law (e.g., court orders or safeguarding concerns)
In life-threatening or emergency situations
With other healthcare professionals, only with your permission

7. How Long We Keep Your Data

In accordance with CORU and HSE guidelines, clinical records are retained for:

Adults: 8 years from the date of last contact
Children: Until the child reaches age 25, or 8 years after last contact—whichever is longer

After this period, your data will be securely destroyed.

8. Cookies & Website Use

If you access our website, we may collect anonymised usage data via cookies to improve website performance. This data does not identify you personally. You may disable cookies in your browser settings.

9. Updates to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated to reflect changes in law or clinical practice. The most current version will always be available on our website.

Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about your data or this policy, please contact:

Claire Dolan Occupational Therapy
"Virtual Practice"
Email: claire@clairedolanot.com