Introduction
We respect your right to privacy when using our websites. This privacy notice explains how we collect, use and protect information when you visit this website.
We are committed to ensuring that any personal information you provide is handled securely and in accordance with data protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Information we collect on this website
We do not collect personal information about you when you visit this website unless you choose to provide it.
You may provide personal information if you:
- contact us by email;
- submit information through an online form; or
- make an enquiry or request information.
Any information you provide will only be used for the purpose of responding to your enquiry or providing the service you have requested.
How we use personal information
Any personal information you provide through this website will only be used by NHS Scotland for the purposes described when you provide it.
We will not sell, trade or share your personal information with third parties unless:
- it is necessary to provide a service you have requested;
- we are required to do so by law; or
- another lawful basis applies under data protection legislation.
Your data protection rights
Under data protection legislation, you have rights relating to how your personal information is used.
These include the right to:
- request access to information we hold about you;
- request that inaccurate or incomplete information is corrected;
- request the deletion of your information in certain circumstances;
- object to or restrict how your information is processed where applicable.
Requests relating to your personal information will be handled in accordance with data protection legislation.
To exercise your rights or ask questions about how your information is used, please contact:
nhsscotlandbrandpolicy@gov.scot
You also have the right to raise concerns with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you believe your information has not been handled correctly.
Cookies
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences and understand how visitors use their services.
This website uses cookies to:
- remember your cookie preferences;
- help us understand how visitors use the website; and
- improve the content and performance of the website.
You will normally see a message on this website before we store any non-essential cookies on your device. You can change your cookie preferences at any time by selecting the cookie settings option available on this website.
Cookies used by this website
Strictly necessary cookies
These cookies are required for the website to function correctly. They cannot be disabled through this website.
| Cookie name | Type | Purpose | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| CookieYes-consent | Necessary | Stores your cookie consent preferences | 1 year |
| wpEmojiSettingsSupports | Necessary | Supports emoji functionality provided by WordPress | Session |
Cookies that measure website usage
We use Google Analytics to collect information about how visitors use this website.
This information helps us understand how people use our website and allows us to make improvements to ensure content is useful and easy to find.
Google Analytics collects information such as:
- the pages you visit;
- how long you spend on pages;
- how you reached the website;
- the links you select while using the website.
The information collected through analytics cookies does not identify you personally. We do not attempt to find out the identities of visitors to this website, and we do not allow Google to identify individual users through our analytics data.
Google Analytics may set the following cookies:
| Cookie name | Type | Purpose | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Analytics | Used to distinguish users | 2 years |
| ga* | Analytics | Used to maintain session information | 2 years |
Changing your cookie settings
You can change your cookie preferences at any time by selecting the cookie settings option available on this website.
You can also manage or delete cookies through your web browser settings. Please refer to your browser’s help documentation for information on how to do this.
Collection and use of technical information
Technical information relating to visits to this website is collected and processed by our website hosting provider, Scottish Health on the Web (SHOW).
This may include information such as:
- the pages requested;
- the date and time of requests;
- technical information about the device and browser used;
- information required to maintain the security and performance of the website.
NHS Scotland does not attempt to identify individual visitors from this information.
Website logs are maintained and analysed to help us:
- monitor website performance;
- understand how the website is used;
- identify technical issues; and
- improve the service we provide.
Information collected through server logs is kept secure and is not provided to third parties unless required by law or where necessary to maintain the website service.
Website security
We take appropriate measures to protect information collected through this website and to maintain the security, availability and integrity of our online services.
Contact us
If you have any questions about this privacy notice or how we use information collected through this website, please contact:
nhsscotlandbrandpolicy@gov.scot
Changes to this privacy notice
We may update this privacy notice from time to time to reflect changes to the website, our services or data protection requirements.
Any updates will be published on this page.