Privacy policy
Last updated: November 2026
Who we are
Family Hearing Ltd ("Family Hearing", "we") is an independent audiology clinic run by Siân Blair at the Shield Clinic, 15 Princes Road, Brunton Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5TT. We are the data controller for the personal information described here. You can contact us about your data at info@familyhearing.co.uk or on 07841 625463.
What information we collect
- Contact details: your name, phone number, email and address when you book, enquire or attend.
- Health information: your medical and hearing history, examination findings, test results (such as audiograms), and details of any treatment or hearing aids we provide.
- Appointment and payment records: dates of appointments and what you paid. Card payments are processed securely by our payment provider, and we do not store your full card details.
- Messages: anything you send us by phone, text, WhatsApp, email or the enquiry form.
Why we use it, and our legal basis
We use your information to arrange and provide your care, keep accurate clinical records, take payment, and contact you about your appointments. Our legal basis under UK GDPR is that it is needed to provide the service you have asked for (Article 6(1)(b)), and, for health information, that it is needed for the provision of health care by a registered health professional (Article 9(2)(h)). We will not use your information for marketing without your consent.
Who we share it with
- Your GP or another health professional, where this is part of your care and with your agreement.
- Hearing aid manufacturers and ear mould laboratories, only the details needed to make or repair your device.
- Trusted service providers who help us run the clinic, such as our online booking and payment systems, email and secure IT services. They may only use your information on our instructions.
- Anyone we are required to share with by law, or where there is a serious risk to someone's safety.
We never sell your information.
How long we keep it
We keep clinical records for as long as professional guidance requires. For adults this is normally at least 8 years after your last appointment, in line with the NHS Records Management Code of Practice. Enquiries that don't lead to an appointment are deleted within 12 months.
How we keep it safe
Records are stored securely, with access limited to the clinician providing your care. Electronic records are password-protected and paper records are kept locked away.
Your rights
You have the right to ask for a copy of your information, to have mistakes corrected, and in some circumstances to have your information deleted or restricted, or to object to how it is used. To make a request, contact us using the details above. We will respond within one month.
This website
This site uses an embedded Google Map, Google Fonts and our online booking system, which may set cookies or collect technical information such as your IP address under their own privacy policies. We do not use advertising or tracking cookies.
Complaints
If you are unhappy with how we have handled your information, please contact us first. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk or on 0303 123 1113.