Protection of Personal Information (POPIA)

Information We Collect

Depending on the services you request, we may collect:

• Parent or guardian names and contact details

• Child's name, date of birth and demographic information

• Medical history, diagnoses, allergies, medications and other relevant health information

• Emergency contact details

• Healthcare provider information where relevant

• Booking and appointment information

• Billing and payment information

• Website enquiry information

• Communications sent via email, telephone or WhatsApp

• Any other information voluntarily provided to us

We only collect information that is necessary to provide our services safely and effectively.

Why We Collect Your Information

Your personal information may be used to:

• Provide safe and appropriate childcare and home care services

• Assess whether our services are suitable for your child's needs

• Communicate regarding enquiries, bookings and appointments

• Coordinate care with healthcare professionals where appropriate and with your consent

• Process payments and maintain financial records

• Meet our legal, ethical and regulatory obligations

• Improve our services and customer experience

• Respond to questions or requests

Protection of Personal Information (POPIA)

Little Care is committed to processing personal information lawfully, fairly and transparently in accordance with POPIA.

We are committed to:

• Collecting only information necessary to provide our services

• Processing information only for legitimate and lawful purposes

• Keeping information accurate and up to date

• Protecting information against loss, misuse, unauthorised access or disclosure

• Retaining information only for as long as required by law or for legitimate business purposes

Little Care recognises that children's personal information requires a heightened level of protection. We process children's personal information only where authorised by a parent or legal guardian, or where otherwise permitted or required by law.

How We Protect Your Information

We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your information, including:

• Secure electronic storage of records

• Restricted access to authorised personnel only

• Password-protected systems

• Appropriate administrative safeguards

• Staff training regarding confidentiality and privacy obligations

Although we strive to safeguard all information, no method of electronic storage or internet transmission can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Sharing Your Information

We respect your privacy and do not sell, rent or trade your personal information.

Your information may only be shared:

• With your consent

• Where necessary to provide safe and appropriate care

• With healthcare professionals involved in your or your child's care

• Where required by law

• Where necessary to protect the health or safety of a child or another individual

All third parties who process information on our behalf are expected to maintain appropriate confidentiality and security standards.

Your Rights

In accordance with POPIA, you have the right to:

• Request access to your personal information

• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information

• Request deletion of information where legally permissible

• Object to certain processing activities

• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

• Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator if you believe your information has not been processed lawfully

Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve your browsing experience, analyse website traffic and enhance website functionality.

You may disable cookies through your browser settings, although doing so may affect certain website features.

Third-Party Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or make use of third-party services, including online booking systems, payment providers and communication platforms.

Little Care is not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites or services. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing personal information.

Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes described in this policy or as required by applicable laws and professional record-keeping obligations.

When information is no longer required, it will be securely deleted or destroyed.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Visiting this website or contacting Little Care through our website, email, WhatsApp or social media does not establish a healthcare provider-patient relationship.

While we strive to keep all information accurate and up to date, Little Care makes no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy or suitability of the information provided.

Our services are subject to availability, clinical appropriateness and any applicable admission criteria. We reserve the right to decline or discontinue services where we believe a child's medical needs exceed the scope of care we are able to provide safely.

Parents and guardians remain responsible for providing complete and accurate medical information, including allergies, medications, medical conditions and emergency contact details.

In the event of a medical emergency, please contact your nearest emergency medical service or proceed to your nearest emergency department immediately. Little Care does not replace emergency medical care or hospital services.

Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legislation, our services or our business practices.

The latest version will always be available on our website.
 

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy or how your personal information is handled, please contact us:

Little Care
Bloemfontein, South Africa