Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Meridian Care Ltd ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of personal information:

• Personal details (name, date of birth, contact information)
• Health and medical information relevant to care provision
• Emergency contact details
• Financial information for billing purposes
• Care records and assessments
• Communication preferences

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• Providing and managing your care services
• Conducting care assessments and planning
• Communicating with you about your care
• Billing and financial administration
• Meeting our legal and regulatory obligations
• Improving our services

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information based on:

• Consent: You have given clear consent for us to process your personal data
• Contract: Processing is necessary for the performance of our care services
• Legal obligation: Processing is necessary to comply with regulatory requirements
• Vital interests: Processing is necessary to protect your life or health

5. Data Sharing

We may share your information with:

• Healthcare professionals involved in your care
• Local authorities and social services
• The Care Quality Commission (CQC)
• Emergency services when necessary
• Your family members or representatives (with your consent)

We never sell your personal information to third parties.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. All staff members receive data protection training and are bound by confidentiality obligations.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations. Care records are typically retained for a minimum of 8 years after your last contact with us, in accordance with professional and regulatory requirements.

8. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights:

• Right to access your personal data
• Right to rectification of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure in certain circumstances
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing
• Rights related to automated decision-making

9. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. For more information, please see our Cookie Policy.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us:

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk