Privacy Policy

Last updated: August 2026

Your privacy is important to me. This Privacy Policy explains what personal information I collect, how I use it, how I keep it safe, and your rights under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).

Who I am

I am Ali Kelly, and I am responsible for the personal information you provide through my website and in connection with my acupuncture services.

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact me at:

Email: hello@ali-kelly.com

What information I collect

Depending on how you interact with me, I may collect:

  • Your name

  • Email address

  • Telephone number

  • Postal address (where relevant)

  • Date of birth

  • Emergency contact details (if appropriate)

  • Health information relevant to your treatment

  • Appointment history and clinical notes

  • Payment and billing information

  • Information you provide when contacting me through my website or by email

If you choose to subscribe to my newsletter, I will also collect your email address so I can send occasional updates about classes, events and new blog posts.

How I collect your information

I collect information when you:

  • Book an appointment

  • Complete a health questionnaire or other forms

  • Attend a treatment

  • Contact me via my website or email

  • Subscribe to my newsletter

  • Make a payment

I use Cliniko, a secure practice management system, to manage appointments, clinical records, invoices, payments and appointment reminders.

Why I collect your information

I only collect the information I need to provide my services safely and effectively.

This includes:

  • Managing appointments

  • Providing acupuncture treatments

  • Keeping accurate clinical records

  • Communicating with you about your appointments

  • Processing payments and issuing invoices

  • Sending appointment reminders

  • Responding to your enquiries

  • Sending newsletters where you have chosen to receive them

My lawful basis for processing

Under the UK GDPR, I process your information because:

  • It is necessary to provide the services you have requested.

  • I have a legal obligation to keep certain financial and business records.

  • You have given your consent (for example, to receive my newsletter or where explicit consent is required for health information).

  • It is in my legitimate interests to manage and improve my practice while respecting your rights.

Because acupuncture involves recording health information, I also process special category (health) data in accordance with UK data protection law.

How your information is stored

Your information is stored securely.

Appointments and clinical records are managed using Cliniko, which provides secure cloud-based practice management. I also use trusted providers where necessary for services such as email and payment processing.

I only keep your information for as long as necessary to provide my services and to meet legal, professional and insurance requirements. I keep patient records for a period of 7 years, in accordance with the British Acupuncture Code of Professional Conduct: 

https://acupuncture.org.uk/who-we-are/professional-codes/

Sharing your information

I do not sell or share your personal information for marketing purposes.

Your information will only be shared if:

  • it is necessary to provide a service you have requested (such as processing a payment);

  • I am required to do so by law; or

  • you have given your permission.

Your rights

You have the right to:

  • Request a copy of the personal information I hold about you.

  • Ask me to correct inaccurate information.

  • Request that I erase your personal information where appropriate.

  • Ask me to restrict how your information is used.

  • Object to certain types of processing.

  • Withdraw your consent where processing is based on consent.

To exercise any of these rights, please email hello@ali-kelly.com.

Cookies and third-party websites

My website may use cookies to help it function and improve your experience. It may also contain links to third-party websites. Those websites have their own privacy policies, and I am not responsible for their content or privacy practices.

Changes to this policy

I will occasionally review and revise this Privacy Policy to ensure it is up to date. Any changes will be published on this page, and the date at the top of this policy will be updated.

Contact

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact me at hello@ali-kelly.com.

If you are unhappy with how your personal information has been handled, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).