Cookies notice
1. What's a cookie?
A cookie is a small file stored on your device by a website. Browsers also support similar technologies — localStorage, sessionStorage — which we use for the same purpose. Throughout this page "cookie" covers all of these.
2. What we use, and why
| Name | Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
hpp_cart_v1 |
localStorage (essential) | Remembers what you've added to your basket between visits so you don't have to restart shopping every time. | Cleared when you clear browser data, or automatically after 90 days of inactivity. |
hpp_last_order_id |
localStorage (essential) | Used only to show your order reference on the order-confirmation page after you submit an order. | Cleared on the next order or when you clear browser data. |
_ga, _ga_* |
Cookie (analytics) | Google Analytics 4 with IP anonymisation enabled and Google's advertising features disabled. Used to count visitors and see which pages they read. Does not identify you individually. | Up to 14 months, then deleted automatically by GA4. |
3. What we do not use
- Advertising cookies (Google Ads, Meta Pixel, TikTok Pixel, etc.) — not used.
- Social-media tracking pixels — not used.
- Cross-site behavioural-advertising profiling — not used.
- Data-broker / fingerprinting tools — not used.
- Third-party live-chat tools that observe your session — not used.
4. Your control
You can:
- Block all cookies in your browser settings — the website will mostly work but the shopping basket won't persist between page loads.
- Clear cookies at any time via your browser. We'll just see you as a new visitor next time.
- Opt out of Google Analytics with the official browser add-on at tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.
- Use private / incognito mode for a session that leaves nothing on your device.
5. Why we don't show a "consent banner"
The UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR) require consent for any non-essential cookies. Our essential cookies (the basket) don't require consent. Google Analytics 4 with IP anonymisation and advertising features disabled is in the grey area, and many UK pharmacies treat it as a "low-risk" analytics use that doesn't materially affect users. We've taken the conservative route: minimised what we collect, anonymised IPs, disabled advertising features, and documented it here. If you'd prefer we ran no analytics at all, email pharmacy.fh186@nhs.net — we'll honour your request.
6. Changes to this notice
If we change what cookies we use, we'll update this notice and the "Last updated" date above. Material changes (e.g. adding an advertising cookie — unlikely) will also trigger a consent prompt on your next visit.
7. Contact
Questions about cookies or analytics? Email pharmacy.fh186@nhs.net. See our full privacy notice for everything else.