Patient Confidentiality Policy – The Walk In Clinic

Last updated: 08th Aug 2026

Our Commitment to Confidentiality

The Walk In Clinic is committed to protecting the confidentiality of all patient information shared with us – whether in person, online, over the phone, or through our website and app. This policy explains how we handle confidential patient information and the circumstances in which it may be shared.

This policy applies to all clinicians, administrative staff, and third parties who work with or on behalf of The Walk In Clinic.

1. What We Treat as Confidential

Confidential patient information includes, but is not limited to:

• Your identity and contact details
• Medical history, symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment records
• Consultation notes, prescriptions, and test results
• Any information shared during a consultation, online or in person
• Payment and billing information linked to your care

2. How We Protect Your Information

• Patient records are stored on secure, access-controlled systems.
• Only clinicians and staff directly involved in your care, or authorized administrative personnel, may access your records.
• All staff and clinicians are bound by professional and contractual confidentiality obligations.
• Physical records (if any) are kept in restricted-access areas.
• Digital records are protected using encryption and secure login credentials.

3. Who May Access Your Information

Access to your confidential information is limited to:

• The clinician(s) directly providing your care
• Administrative staff who need it to manage your appointment or billing
• Other healthcare professionals involved in your care, where relevant and with your knowledge (e.g., a referral)

We do not grant access to your medical information to any person or organization outside of this circle without your consent, except as described below.

4. When We May Disclose Your Information

We will only share your confidential information without your explicit consent in limited circumstances, such as:

• Legal requirement – where disclosure is required by law, court order, or regulatory authority.
• Risk of serious harm – where there is a genuine risk to your safety or the safety of others, and disclosure is necessary to prevent that harm.
• Safeguarding concerns – where required by child or vulnerable adult safeguarding obligations.
• Continuity of care – sharing relevant information with another treating clinician, where reasonably necessary for your care.

Wherever practical and lawful, we will inform you before any such disclosure is made.

5. Your Consent

Other than the exceptions above, we will not disclose your confidential medical information to any third party – including family members, employers, or insurers – without your explicit consent.

You may be asked to provide written consent when:

• Requesting your records be sent to another provider
• Authorizing a family member or representative to discuss your care
• Participating in research or other optional programs

6. Your Right to Access Your Own Records

You have the right to request a copy of your own medical records held by The Walk In Clinic. Requests can be made by contacting us at info@thewalkinclinic.org. We will respond in line with applicable data protection law.

7. Retention of Records

We retain patient records only for as long as necessary to provide care, meet legal and regulatory obligations, and support continuity of treatment. Records are securely disposed of once retention periods expire.

8. Confidentiality in Online & Virtual Consultations

For consultations conducted online or by phone:

• We use secure platforms for virtual consultations.
• Patients are encouraged to take calls or video consultations in a private setting.
• Recorded consultations (if applicable) are stored securely and are subject to the same confidentiality protections as in-person records.

9. Staff Training & Accountability

All clinicians and staff receive guidance on confidentiality obligations as part of their role. Breaches of confidentiality are treated seriously and may result in disciplinary or professional action, in accordance with applicable regulatory standards.

10. Raising a Concern

If you believe your confidentiality has been breached, or you have questions about how your information has been handled, please contact us directly:

The Walk In Clinic Email: info@thewalkinclinic.org Address: [insert clinic address]

You also have the right to raise a concern with the relevant data protection or healthcare regulatory authority in Ireland.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Confidentiality Policy from time to time. Any significant changes will be posted on our website. Continued use of our services after such updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.