Last updated June 2023.
General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)
General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) aims to strengthen and unify data protection for all EU individuals and emphasises transparency, security and accountability for all organisations and data controllers holding personal information.
The principles of data protection are that personal data must be:
- Adequate, relevant and limited to what is needed
- Accurate and up to date
- Kept no longer than is necessary
It must be processed:
- Lawfully, fairly and transparently
- For specific, explicit and legitimate purpose(s)
- In a secure manner
Privacy Policy
Dr Deborah McNamara recognises that privacy is important and is committed to respecting your privacy. Appropriate protection and management will be applied to any information you share. The information you submit will be kept confidential and with the highest standards of security. The information you provide will be held and used in accordance with
the GDPR.
What information is collected?
When you use the website enquiry form or make email, telephone or text contact, personal information about you will be collected by Dr Deborah McNamara (Data Controller), to decide whether your presenting concerns are an appropriate referral to the service and whether you will then be offered an appointment.
At the commencement of therapy, you will be asked to complete a contact sheet and consent form. The contact sheet will hold relevant information including your name, date of birth, contact phone number, e-mail address, GP name and telephone number and next of kin name and contact telephone number. The contact sheet together with the consent form are held in
the manual structured file and held in a locked filing cabinet.
Personal information provided by you will be used for the following purposes:
- Delivery of therapy (including clinical supervision)
- Booking appointments
- Discharge summary letters
- End of therapy receipt
Wherever possible, data is anonymised by using initials. Dr Deborah McNamara works on the principle that personal information is only collected when needed to provide your care. She is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy in compliance with the GDPR.
Cookies
Cookies are text files placed on your computer to collect standard internet log information and visitor behaviour information. This information is used to track visitor use of the website and to compile statistical reports on website activity.
This website uses Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google, Inc. Google Analytics uses cookies to help this website analyse how users use the site, but does not identify your personal information.
As we adopt additional technologies, we may also gather information through other methods. Please note that you can change your browser settings to notify you when a cookie is being set or updated, or to block cookies altogether.
Other websites
This website (www.drdeborahmcnamara.com) may contain links to other websites. This privacy policy only applies to this website and so when you link to other websites you should read their own privacy policies.
Electronic Data
Emails and text messages received are be managed as follows:
- Emails and/or text messages (sent directly or forwarded from other referral sources) seeking to make a first appointment or enquiring about the service will be held from no more than 1 month after being responded to and then deleted.
- Only emails or text messages containing relevant referral information are printed and/or written up and held in the manual structured file together with the contact and consent forms before being deleted.
- No names, phone numbers or identifying details are stored on my smartphone.
- Both smartphone and laptop devices are security password protected.
Confidentiality, Information Sharing and Disclosure
Your personal data will not be used for any purpose other than to provide you with a professional clinical psychology services. Your personal data will not be shared with any third party unless:
- An individual makes a request for the information to be shared.
- There is an immediate concern about an individual’s safety.
- There is a safeguarding concern.
- There is a requirement by law to share the information.
- A concern arises regarding an individual’s safety in line with Children’s First Guidelines (2017), in which case An Garda Síochana and Tusla may be contacted.
Wherever possible consultation with an individual will take place prior to information being shared with any third party and the individual’s consent obtained.
Your records will not be shared with any commercial organisation or sold on to third parties for any reason, including marketing.
How is the information stored?
Personal information held in structured manual files are stored in a locked fire proof filing cabinet. Information stored on computer, for example discharge summary letters, end of therapy receipts are individually password protected per document. All personal information provided is stored in compliance with EU General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) rules.
How long is the information stored for?
In line with The Psychological Society of Ireland Guidelines for Confidentiality and Record Keeping in Practice (2022) records must be retained for a period of 7 years.
Further Information
For more information please visit the Data Protection Commission website http://dataprotection.ie
Any questions about the privacy policy, concerns or complaints about how your data is handles or matters relating to your personal records telephone +353 83 0892223 or e-mail drdeborahmcnamara@gmail.com to get in touch.
Some of the above information was produced referencing PSI Guidelines for Confidentiality and Record Keeping in Practice (2022) and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Contact Me
Address: Dr Deborah McNamara, 2 Devon Place, The Crescent, Galway, H91EPN1
Phone: +353 83 0892223
Email: drdeborahmcnamara@gmail.com
Business Hours: Monday-Friday: 7 am – 3 pm