How we use cookies
What cookies we set, why we set them, and how you can control them.
What cookies are
Cookies are small text files saved on your device by your browser. They let websites remember things across visits, such as whether you're signed in, whether you've accepted a banner, or which language you've picked. They're a normal part of how most websites work.
This page lists every cookie this site uses. It also explains what each one does, who sets it, and how to turn it off.
You can change your mind any time
You'll see a cookie banner the first time you visit. Your choice is saved in your browser. To change it later, clear this site's storage in your browser settings and reload the page and the banner will reappear.
Strictly necessary cookies
These keep the site working. We can't turn them off and they don't need your consent under the ePrivacy regulations.
| Cookie | Purpose | Expires |
|---|---|---|
km_cookie_consent | Remembers your cookie preferences (which categories you've accepted or rejected). Set when you choose options from the banner or settings form. | 1 year |
wordpress_* | Standard WordPress session cookies. Only set when an editor signs into the admin area, not for ordinary visitors. | Session |
Analytics cookies
We don't set any third-party analytics by default. If we add them in the future (for example, Plausible or a privacy-respecting equivalent), we'll list them here first and update the cookie banner so you can opt in.
Third-party content
A few pages embed content that can set their own cookies once you interact with it:
- Google Translate. The Translate button at the top of every page. If you pick a language other than English, Google's translation script loads to convert the page content. Google then handles those interactions according to their cookie policy. We only load Google Translate when you actively choose to translate - it doesn't run for visitors who don't use the feature.
- Google Maps. The map embed on our Contact page. Google's own cookie policy applies.
- CQC widget. The Care Quality Commission rating badge in the footer. Loaded directly from cqc.org.uk.
- NHS embeds. When we link to nhs.uk for symptom checkers or A-Z entries, those pages set their own cookies once you open them.
These only load if you actively use them.
How to control cookies
Every modern browser lets you see and delete the cookies a site has set. The exact steps differ between browsers but all of them have a Privacy or Site Data section in Settings. The ICO has a plain-English guide covering the major browsers.
Blocking strictly necessary cookies may break parts of the site. Blocking the rest will not.
Questions about cookies?
Email reception and we'll get back to you. Privacy enquiries can also go to our Data Protection Officer.