Terms, Policies & Privacy

Welcome to The Leg Lab.

We are committed to providing high-quality podiatry and lower limb healthcare whilst protecting your privacy and ensuring a safe clinical environment.

This page sets out:

• Website Terms & Conditions

• Privacy & Data Protection Policy (UK GDPR)

• Infection Prevention & Control Policy

By using our website or accessing our services, you agree to the terms outlined below.

1. Website Terms & Conditions

Website Use

This website is owned and operated by The Leg Lab.

The information provided is intended for general information and education only. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, it should not be considered medical advice or used as a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

If you have concerns regarding your health, please seek appropriate medical advice or arrange an appointment.

Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise stated, all content on this website, including text, images, logos, graphics and branding, is the property of The Leg Lab.

You may:

• View pages for personal, non-commercial use.

• Download or print information for your own reference.

You must not:

• Copy or reproduce website content for commercial purposes.

• Modify or redistribute website content.

• Use our branding or logo without written permission.

Website Availability

We aim to keep our website available and up to date but cannot guarantee uninterrupted access or that all information will always be accurate or complete.

We reserve the right to amend, remove or update website content without notice.

External Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites.

These links are provided for convenience only. The Leg Lab accepts no responsibility for the content, security or privacy practices of external websites.

Limitation of Liability

Nothing on this website excludes liability where this would be unlawful under UK legislation.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, The Leg Lab shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from reliance on information contained within this website.

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

2. Privacy & Data Protection Policy (UK GDPR)

Our Commitment

The Leg Lab is committed to protecting your personal information and handling your data responsibly, securely and transparently in accordance with:

• UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)

• Data Protection Act 2018

• Common law duty of confidentiality

Data Controller

The Leg Lab

Address:
[Insert Address]

Email:
[Insert Email]

Telephone:
[Insert Number]

Information We Collect

Website Visitors

When you visit our website we may collect:

• IP address

• Browser type

• Device information

• Website usage statistics

• Cookie preferences

If you contact us via our website we may collect:

• Name

• Email address

• Telephone number

• Details contained within your enquiry

Patients

If you become a patient we may collect:

• Name

• Date of birth

• Address

• Telephone number

• Email address

• NHS number (where appropriate)

• GP details

• Relevant healthcare professional details

• Medical history

• Medication history

• Allergies

• Clinical examination findings

• Treatment records

• Appointment history

• Payment information

• Clinical photographs (where clinically appropriate)

Health information is classed as Special Category Data under UK GDPR.

Why We Collect Your Information

Your information is used to:

• Provide safe podiatry care

• Maintain accurate clinical records

• Arrange appointments

• Send appointment reminders

• Contact you regarding your treatment

• Process payments

• Comply with professional and legal obligations

• Improve our services

Lawful Basis

We process personal information under one or more of the following lawful bases:

• Performance of a contract

• Legal obligation

• Legitimate interests

• Consent (where required)

• Provision of healthcare under Article 9 UK GDPR

Clinical Records

Clinical records may be held:

• Electronically using the Cliniko practice management system; and/or

• In secure paper records where appropriate.

Records are maintained solely for providing healthcare and meeting professional, legal and insurance requirements.

Cliniko

The Leg Lab uses Cliniko, a secure cloud-based practice management system, to store patient records, appointment information, invoices and clinical notes.

Cliniko acts as our data processor and maintains appropriate security measures to protect patient information.

Clinical Photographs

With your consent, photographs may be taken where they assist with:

• Assessment

• Monitoring progress

• Treatment planning

• Clinical records

Photographs form part of your confidential medical record.

Clinical photographs will never be used for marketing or teaching without your separate written consent.

Sharing Information

We treat all patient information confidentially.

Where clinically appropriate, we may share information with:

• Your GP

• Consultants

• Physiotherapists

• District nurses

• Community healthcare teams

• Other healthcare professionals involved in your care

Where possible, this will only occur with your consent unless disclosure is required by law or necessary to protect your vital interests.

Data Security

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal information.

These include:

• Password-protected devices

• Secure cloud software

• Restricted access to records

• Encrypted communications where appropriate

• Secure disposal of confidential waste

• Secure storage of paper records

Data Retention

Records are retained in accordance with current UK healthcare guidance and professional record retention recommendations.

Following expiry of the retention period, records will be securely destroyed.

Your Rights

Under UK GDPR you have the right to:

• Access your personal information

• Request correction of inaccurate information

• Request restriction of processing

• Object to certain processing

• Withdraw consent where applicable

• Request data portability

• Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)

Cookies

Our website uses cookies to improve functionality and understand website usage.

Cookies may include:

• Essential cookies

• Performance cookies

• Analytics cookies

Where required, your consent will be requested before non-essential cookies are placed.

You may alter your cookie preferences through your browser settings.

Marketing

The Leg Lab does not sell your personal information.

Marketing emails will only be sent where you have chosen to receive them.

You may unsubscribe at any time.

Changes to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically.

The latest version will always be available on this website.

3. Infection Prevention & Control Policy

Our Commitment

The Leg Lab is committed to maintaining the highest standards of infection prevention and control in both clinic and home visit settings.

Standard Infection Control Precautions are applied to every patient regardless of diagnosis.

Hand Hygiene

Hands are cleaned:

• Before every patient

• After every patient

• Before aseptic procedures

• After glove removal

• Following cleaning activities

• After contact with bodily fluids

Alcohol hand sanitiser and hand washing facilities are used where appropriate.

Personal Protective Equipment

Appropriate PPE is used according to clinical risk and may include:

• Disposable gloves

• Disposable aprons

• Face masks

• Eye protection

PPE is changed between every patient.

Sterile Technique

The Leg Lab uses sterile and single-use equipment wherever clinically appropriate.

Procedures involving injections, acupuncture or skin penetration are carried out using an aseptic technique.

Where required, a sterile field is created using sterile drapes and equipment to minimise the risk of contamination.

Only sterile, single-use needles are used for acupuncture and injection therapy.

Single-use items are never reused.

Instrument Management

Reusable instruments are cleaned and decontaminated in accordance with manufacturer guidance and current infection prevention recommendations.

Single-use instruments are disposed of immediately after use.

Clinical Environment

Treatment areas are cleaned between every patient.

This includes:

• Treatment chair

• Work surfaces

• Equipment

• Frequently touched surfaces

Approved clinical disinfectants are used.

Disposable couch roll is replaced after every patient.

Home Visits

The same infection prevention standards apply during home visits as within the clinic.

Portable equipment is transported in clean storage containers.

A clean working area is established before treatment begins.

Where procedures require sterility, a sterile field is created using sterile disposable barriers and equipment.

Equipment is cleaned before and after each visit.

Clinical waste and sharps are transported safely and disposed of using approved clinical waste arrangements.

Hand hygiene is maintained before and after every patient.

Sharps

Sharps are:

• Used once only

• Disposed of immediately into approved sharps containers

• Never left unattended

• Never re-sheathed unless using an approved safety device

Sharps containers are collected by a licensed clinical waste contractor.

Clinical Waste

Clinical waste is segregated appropriately.

Waste generated during clinic or home visits is disposed of safely using licensed waste management services.

Blood and Body Fluid Spillages

Any spillages are managed immediately using appropriate disinfectants and PPE.

Staff Health

Clinicians will not provide treatment if suffering from an illness that may place patients at risk.

Relevant vaccinations are maintained where appropriate.

Training

The Leg Lab maintains current knowledge of infection prevention guidance and reviews procedures regularly.

Policy Review

These policies are reviewed annually or sooner where legislation, professional guidance or clinic procedures change.

The Leg Lab – Patient Terms of Service

1. Welcome

Thank you for choosing The Leg Lab.

These Patient Terms of Service explain how we provide our services and what you can expect when receiving treatment. By booking or attending an appointment, you agree to these terms.

2. Our Services

The Leg Lab provides private podiatry and lower limb healthcare services, including but not limited to:

• Routine podiatry

• Musculoskeletal (MSK) podiatry

• Biomechanical assessment

• Nail surgery

• Verruca treatment

• Acupuncture (where clinically appropriate)

• Injection therapy (where clinically appropriate)

• Foot health advice

• Home visits (subject to availability)

All treatments are provided in accordance with current professional standards and clinical guidelines.

3. Booking Appointments

Appointments may be booked:

• Online

• By telephone

• By email

• In person

Appointments are confirmed once you receive confirmation from The Leg Lab.

Please ensure your contact details remain accurate so we can contact you if necessary.

4. Appointment Length

Appointment times are allocated according to the treatment required.

If additional treatment is needed, a further appointment may be necessary.

5. Fees and Payment

Our current fees are available on our website or upon request.

Unless otherwise agreed, payment is due at the time of your appointment.

We accept the payment methods displayed within the clinic or on our website.

Outstanding balances may need to be settled before further appointments can be booked.

6. Cancellations and Missed Appointments

We understand that circumstances change.

If you need to cancel or rearrange your appointment, we kindly ask that you provide at least 24 hours' notice.

Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, or appointments that are not attended without prior notice, may incur a cancellation fee of up to the full appointment cost.

Repeated missed appointments may result in future bookings requiring advance payment or being declined.

Where exceptional circumstances apply, cancellation fees may be waived at our discretion.

7. Late Arrival

If you arrive late, your appointment may need to be shortened to avoid delaying other patients.

If there is insufficient time to safely complete your treatment, your appointment may need to be rearranged and a late cancellation fee may apply.

8. Medical Information

To provide safe and appropriate treatment, you must provide accurate information about:

• Your medical history

• Current medications

• Allergies

• Existing health conditions

• Changes to your health since previous appointments

Please inform us promptly if any of this information changes.

Providing incomplete or inaccurate information may affect the safety or effectiveness of your treatment.

9. Consent to Treatment

Treatment will only be provided with your informed consent.

Before treatment, your clinician will explain:

• The proposed treatment

• Expected benefits

• Potential risks

• Reasonable alternatives

You may withdraw your consent at any time before or during treatment.

10. Treatment Outcomes

Whilst every effort is made to provide the highest standard of care, healthcare treatments cannot guarantee specific outcomes.

Recovery and treatment success depend on many factors, including:

• The nature of your condition

• Your overall health

• Healing response

• Compliance with advice and treatment recommendations

No guarantee of cure or symptom resolution can be given.

11. Acupuncture and Injection Therapy

Where acupuncture or injection therapy is recommended, your clinician will discuss:

• The purpose of treatment

• Expected benefits

• Possible side effects

• Potential complications

• Alternative treatment options

Separate written consent may be requested where appropriate.

12. Nail Surgery

Patients undergoing nail surgery will receive:

• A full explanation of the procedure

• Written aftercare advice

• Emergency contact information where appropriate

Following post-operative instructions is important for reducing the risk of complications.

13. Home Visits

Where home visits are offered:

Patients are responsible for providing:

• A safe environment for treatment

• Adequate lighting

• Sufficient space for equipment

• Reasonable access to the property

The clinician reserves the right to decline or discontinue treatment if the environment is considered unsafe.

Home visit availability may be affected by weather, travel disruption or unforeseen circumstances.

14. Chaperones

Patients are welcome to request a chaperone where appropriate.

Children and adults who require support should attend with a parent, guardian or responsible adult.

15. Children and Young People

Patients under the age of 16 should normally attend with a parent or legal guardian.

Consent will be obtained in accordance with current legal and professional guidance.

16. Clinical Records

Clinical records are maintained securely in accordance with UK GDPR and professional requirements.

Records may be held electronically using Cliniko and, where appropriate, in paper format.

Further information can be found in our Privacy & Data Protection Policy.

17. Clinical Photographs

Clinical photographs may be taken where they assist assessment, diagnosis or monitoring.

These photographs form part of your confidential clinical record.

Photographs will not be used for education, publications or marketing without your separate written consent.

18. Communication

We may contact you regarding:

• Appointment confirmations

• Appointment reminders

• Follow-up appointments

• Changes affecting your appointment

• Important information relating to your care

Communication may take place by:

• Telephone

• Email

• SMS

• Secure messaging where available

Please ensure your contact details remain up to date.

19. Confidentiality

All personal information is handled in accordance with UK GDPR and our Privacy Policy.

Where clinically appropriate and with your consent, we may communicate with:

• Your GP

• Hospital consultants

• Physiotherapists

• Community healthcare professionals

• Other healthcare providers involved in your care

Information may also be disclosed where required by law or where there is a significant safeguarding or public safety concern.

20. Zero Tolerance Policy

The Leg Lab is committed to providing a respectful and safe environment.

Abusive, aggressive, threatening or discriminatory behaviour towards staff or other patients will not be tolerated.

We reserve the right to end treatment and refuse future appointments where such behaviour occurs.

21. Complaints

We hope every patient receives an excellent experience.

If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of your care, please contact us as soon as possible so we can investigate and resolve your concerns promptly.

A copy of our Complaints Procedure is available on request.

22. Changes to These Terms

The Leg Lab reserves the right to update these Terms of Service from time to time.

The most recent version will always be available on our website.

23. Contact Details

The Leg Lab

Address: [Insert Address]

Email: [Insert Email Address]

Telephone: [Insert Telephone Number]

Website: https://theleglab.co.uk