What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your computer, tablet, or mobile device when you visit a website. They can help a website function correctly, remember choices you have made, and provide information about how the website is used.
Similar technologies, including browser local storage, may also be used to store information on your device. References to cookies in this policy include these similar technologies where appropriate.
How we use cookies and similar technologies
We use essential technologies where needed to operate the website and remember your cookie preference.
With your permission, we also use Google Analytics 4 to understand how visitors use the website and to help us improve our patient information, educational resources, navigation, and online services.
We do not use Analytics cookies for advertising on this website, and we do not intentionally send names, email addresses, medical information, questionnaire responses, or other identifiable health information to Google Analytics.
Essential technologies
Essential technologies support functions that are necessary for the website to operate or for a service you have requested.
Our cookie banner uses browser storage to remember whether you accepted or rejected optional analytics cookies. This prevents the banner from appearing on every page and allows the website to respect your choice on later visits using the same browser.
| Technology | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| smith-medical-analytics-consent | Records whether analytics cookies have been accepted or rejected. | Until removed through cookie settings or browser storage is cleared. |
| smith-medical-cookie-choice-recorded | Records that a cookie choice has been made so the banner does not repeatedly appear. | Until removed through cookie settings or browser storage is cleared. |
Google Analytics 4
Google Analytics 4 helps us understand how visitors use the website. This may include information such as:
- pages visited;
- how visitors move between pages;
- approximate geographic region;
- device and browser type;
- downloads and outbound link clicks;
- scrolling and general engagement with website content.
Google Analytics is used only after you choose to accept analytics cookies through our cookie banner.
Google Analytics is used solely in relation to our public website. It is not connected to our clinical records, appointment records, pre-consultation questionnaire responses, or patient medical information.
| Cookie | Purpose | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| _ga | Helps distinguish website visitors. | Up to 2 years. |
| _ga_* | Helps maintain information about a visitor's session. | Up to 2 years. |
Browser settings and Google configuration may affect the precise duration of these cookies.
Embedded videos and third-party content
Some patient resource pages include videos hosted by third-party services such as YouTube or Vimeo.
When third-party content is loaded or played, the provider may receive technical information about your visit and may use its own cookies or similar technologies. These providers operate independently and have their own privacy and cookie policies.
We aim to use privacy-friendly embed settings where available and avoid intentionally sharing patient or medical information with video providers.
Contact forms
When you submit an enquiry through our website contact form, the information you provide is transmitted to our administrative team for the purpose of reviewing and responding to your enquiry.
Contact-form information is not intentionally included in Google Analytics. It is handled in accordance with our Privacy Notice.
External links
Our website contains links to external websites, including Circle Health Group, NHS services, charities, professional organisations, and other healthcare resources.
External websites operate independently and may use their own cookies and tracking technologies. We recommend reviewing their privacy and cookie information when you visit them.
Managing your cookie preferences
You can accept or reject analytics cookies using the cookie banner shown when you first visit the website.
You can change your choice later by selecting Cookie settings in the website footer.
You can also delete or block cookies and stored website data through your browser settings. Blocking essential website storage may cause the cookie banner to reappear or affect some website functions.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Cookies Policy when our website, analytics arrangements, embedded services, or legal requirements change. The latest version will always be published on this page.
Contact us
If you have questions about this Cookies Policy or how cookies are used on this website, please contact:
Smith Medical (Glasgow)
Email: secretary@smithpulmonology.com
Telephone: 07899 819012
Last updated
July 2026