Terms and Conditions

Payment Terms

  • Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your appointment. This payment is non-transferable and non-refundable under normal circumstances, barring the conditions outlined in our cancellation policy.

Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy

  • Full Refund: Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the appointment will receive a full refund.

  • Partial Refund and Reschedule: Cancellations made within 24 hours of the appointment will receive a partial refund of £50, with one complimentary reschedule allowed. This reschedule must be booked within 30 days of the original appointment date, subject to availability.

  • Late Arrival: If you arrive more than 5 minutes late without prior notice, we may not be able to accommodate you, and your appointment will be considered missed. No refunds or reschedules will be provided.

Medication and Treatment Policy

  • Medications, once dispensed, are non-refundable. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and efficacy of the treatment provided.

  • All treatments and services are provided based on the information you supply during your consultation. It is crucial that you provide accurate and complete details to ensure the best outcomes.

Privacy and Confidentiality

  • All personal information collected during your booking and treatment process is handled in compliance with data protection laws. Your information will only be used for the purposes of your care and treatment.

  • We adhere strictly to patient confidentiality and will not share your details with third parties without your explicit consent unless required by law.

General Terms

  • By booking an appointment with The Lean Clinic, you agree to these terms and conditions. We reserve the right to update these terms at any time without prior notice, with changes taking effect immediately upon posting on our website.

  • The Lean Clinic reserves the right to refuse treatment if it is deemed unsafe, inappropriate, or if there is a breach of these terms and conditions.

  • Any disputes arising from the use of our services will be governed by English law.

These terms and conditions aim to ensure a clear and professional relationship between The Lean Clinic and our clients, reflecting industry standards and best practices.

Prescribing and Medications at The Lean Clinic

On-Site Dispensing

  • The Lean Clinic offers on-site dispensing of weight loss medications tailored to support your health goals. These medications are prescribed only after a comprehensive consultation with our specialists.

General Prescribing Capabilities

  • In addition to weight loss medications, we are authorised to prescribe a broad range of medications typically available through a GP surgery, ensuring comprehensive care for various conditions.

Restrictions on Prescribing

  • Schedule 1-3 Drugs: We do not prescribe Schedule 1-3 controlled substances, including drugs like morphine, anabolic steroids, and amphetamines.

  • Sleeping Pills and Benzodiazepines: We are also restricted in prescribing certain sedatives and anxiolytics, such as sleeping pills and benzodiazepines, including but not limited to Diazepam, Lorazepam, and Temazepam. These medications have a high potential for dependency and are carefully regulated.

Prescription Protocol

  • Prescriptions are issued following a detailed consultation and a thorough review of your medical history. Medications are prescribed only when they are safe and appropriate, with clear instructions provided on their usage.

Medication Safety and Compliance

  • Patients are expected to adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage and usage instructions. Follow-up appointments may be required to monitor the effectiveness and safety of the prescribed medication.

By following these guidelines, The Lean Clinic ensures that all prescribed and dispensed medications are both safe and effective, while also maintaining full compliance with UK laws and regulations.

Privacy policy

Introduction

At The Lean Clinic, we are committed to safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of our patients. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information in compliance with UK data protection laws.

Information We Collect

  • Personal Information: This includes your name, contact details, and medical history, collected during appointments and interactions with our clinic.

  • Payment Information: Securely processed via our payment system.

How We Use Your Information

  • Medical Care: To provide and manage your treatment.

  • Communication: To send appointment reminders, follow-ups, and any relevant updates.

  • Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements.

Data Sharing

  • We do not share your personal information with third parties unless required by law or with your explicit consent. All shared data is handled in accordance with strict confidentiality agreements.

Data Security

  • We implement robust security measures to protect your data from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. This includes encryption, secure servers, and regular security audits.

Your Rights

  • Access: You have the right to request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.

  • Correction: You may request corrections to any inaccuracies in your information.

  • Erasure: You can request the deletion of your data, subject to legal retention requirements.

Changes to This Policy

  • We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Any changes will be communicated via our website.

Contact Us

For any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us at [contact information].

This policy ensures that your privacy is respected and protected throughout your experience with The Lean Clinic.


Safeguarding Adults and Children Policy and Procedure for The Lean Clinic (TLC)


Purpose


The purpose of this policy is to ensure that The Lean Clinic protects and safeguards adults and children who use our services from abuse, neglect, and harm, in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements, including 'Working Together to Safeguard Children (2015)', the 'Care Act (2014)', and the 'Female Genital Mutilation Act (2003)'. 

The policy also recognises the risk of modern slavery and radicalisation, and specifies how The Lean Clinic will work in partnership with other organisations to safeguard patients. 


Although we will not be treating anyone below the age of 18 years old, it is important to recognise and help a child that may present to our service.


Scope


This policy applies to all staff members of The Lean Clinic, including clinical and non-clinical staff, contractors, and volunteers (anyone that provides a service to our patients).


Policy Statement


The Lean Clinic is committed to safeguarding adults and children who use our services from abuse, neglect, and harm, and to promoting their welfare and well-being. The Clinic recognises the legal and regulatory requirements for safeguarding adults and children and will work in partnership with other organisations to safeguard patients. The Clinic also acknowledges the risks of modern slavery and radicalisation and will take appropriate steps to prevent and respond to these risks.


As healthcare professionals, it is our duty to break confidentiality and share information to ensure the safety of our patients (Statutory Guidance - “working together 2015”).


Objectives and Policy


1. To ensure that adults and children who present to our services are protected from abuse, neglect, and harm, in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.

2. To promote the welfare and well-being of adults and children who use our services.

3. To work in partnership with other organisations to safeguard patients.

4. To prevent and respond to the risks of modern slavery and radicalisation.


Patients must be protected from abuse and improper treatment. This clinic will clearly define and operate the following systems and processes to prevent abuse of service users:


- Thorough investigation of any allegation or evidence of abuse or improper treatment.

- Through Equality and Diversity Policy.

- Thorough staff Induction and training programmes.

- Through pre-employment Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and references for all newly onboarded staff members.


Any suspicious behaviour from a member of staff that puts adults or children at risk will be escalated to the Police.

In case of safeguarding concern staff members will carry out risk assessment and mental capacity assessment. All safeguarding concerns will be discussed with Safeguarding lead. If required Significant Event Analysis will be carried out. 


Any suggestion of exploitation, radicalisation or drawn into terrorism, or undergone Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) will be swiftly dealt with via the authorities.


The Clinic will ensure:


- Not to discriminate on the grounds of any Protected Characteristics of the Equality Act 2010.

- Not to be derogatory towards children and vulnerable adults.

- Not to disregard the care needs of children or vulnerable adults.

- Not to restrain or harm any adult/vulnerable adult or child that is not necessary to prevent harm.


Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults


At The Lean clinic, we are committed to safeguarding vulnerable adults. A Vulnerable Adult is defined as "a person ages 18 years or over who is, or may be, in need of community care services or is resident in a continuing care facility by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness or who is, or may be, unable to take care of themselves or unable to protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation" (Law Commission for England and Wales (1995) Mental Capacity Report No. 231, London’s).


If any concerns arise regarding a patient's safety or well-being, it is essential to report it immediately to the Registered Provider and/or Registered Manager of Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Lead. If any suspicions arise regarding Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), it should be reported to the police.


Concerns regarding radicalisation must be escalated as a safeguarding matter and discussed with the local police, local social services, or MASH.


We believe in being open and honest with the vulnerable adult and their carers about any concerns and intentions to refer while seeking their consent.


However, in certain circumstances, it is not appropriate to discuss concerns with the carer, such as when it may put the patient at greater risk, impede a police investigation or social work inquiry, suspect sexual abuse by family members or organised or multiple abuse, suspect fabricated or induced illness, or when patients or carers are being violent or abusive, putting oneself or others at risk.


In such cases, referrals must be made without delay, even if it is not possible to contact parents or carers.


Staff Procedure if abuse or neglect is suspected:


- Ensure you confirm that the patient’s address is the same as on file.

- It is important to step back and ask yourself if this is an accidental injury. If it is, ensure you acquire a full history.

- Once you have this history, does this story fit the description of the injury and age of the clinic findings?

- If you feel the explanation is good enough, is this the first time or has this occurred many times?

- Was there any delay in presentation with the injury? If so, ask why.

- Is there a lack of consistency to the story?


Non-verbal communication is vital as well in this situation:


- Have a look at the relationship between the parent/carer and vulnerable person.

- How does the vulnerable person react or act with their parent/carer?

- How does the vulnerable person act with clinical examination, is this a normal reaction for them or is this heightened?

- Any comments said by the vulnerable person, do they raise any concern?


If you have any concerns, please contact the safeguard lead (Dr Natalia Powers). If you are unable to contact your safeguarding lead, please call the Police if you feel the patient is in imminent danger or escalate to your local A+E where you can have a discussion with a senior doctor.


When there is serious injury from suspected Non-accidental injury:


- Refer the patient to the local hospital Accident and Emergency with the consent of the person having parental/care responsibility.

- Speak to the Accident and Emergency Department to give them advance warning.

- If consent is withdrawn, contact the duty social worker or Police so that the patient’s welfare is safeguarded.


Procedures for Child Safeguarding


At The Lean Clinic, we will not be treating anyone below the age of 18 years old. But we are aware that a child may present during online consultations for several reasons.


If you have any suggestion that a child is being neglected or abused. This must be reported to the Registered Provider for Child Safeguarding, Dr Natalia Powers.


If there is a concern for female Genital Mutilation (FGM) or if a child is at risk of FGM, this must be reported to the Police.


When referring to the Police or Social services, it is important to explain your concerns to the child and/or parents/carers. But do not discuss your concerns if:


- You feel the patient will be put at greater risk.

- The discussion may impede the social worker or police investigation.

- Sexual abuse by family members, organised or multiple abuse is suspected.

- Fabricated or induced illness is suspected.

- If you feel the parents/carers are violent and they may put you at risk of harm.

- You are unable to contact the parents/carers as this may delay the patient getting help.


Staff Procedure if abuse or neglect is suspected:


- It is important to step back and ask yourself if this is accidental injury. If it is, ensure you acquire a full history.

- Once you have this history, does this story fit the description of the injury and age of the clinic findings?

- If you feel the explanation is good enough, is this the first time or has this occurred many times?

- Was there any delay in presentation with the injury? If so, ask why.

- Is there a lack of consistency to the story.


Non-verbal communication is vital as well in this situation:


- Have a look at the relationship between the parent/carer and child.

- How does the child react or act with their parent/carer?

- How does the child act with clinical examination, is this a normal reaction for them or is this heightened?

- Any comments said by the vulnerable person, do they raise any concern?


Avoid asking leading questions when speaking with a child. Do not agree to keep anything off-record or as a secret.


Ensure you explain that anything told to a healthcare professional is kept confidential but if you feel that this person's or anyone else's safety might be compromised then you must break confidentiality.


If you have any concerns, please contact the safeguard lead. If you are unable to contact your safeguarding lead, please call the Police if you feel the patient is in imminent danger or escalate to your local A+E where you can have a discussion with a senior doctor (paediatric consultant in A+E).


When there is serious injury from suspected Non-accidental injury:


- Confirm the patient’s permanent address and current location.

- Refer the patient to the local hospital Accident and Emergency with the consent of the person having parental/carer responsibility.

- Speak to the Local Accident and Emergency Department to give them advance warning.

- If consent is withdrawn, contact the local duty social worker or Police so that the patient’s welfare is safeguarded.

- If there is imminent danger to the child, you must call the police (999). It is our duty to share information when needed to ensure the welfare and safety of our patients.

- Update the Medical Director – Dr Natalia Powers immediately. This will be logged, discussed at our safeguard meetings (emergency meetings will be made for situations that arise) and then followed up.


Training and CPD


Up-to-date Safeguarding training for both vulnerable adults and children will be expected from all our Healthcare Staff. They will be provided e-learning modules and expected to reflect on any safeguarding encounters for their appraisals and Significant Event Analysis. Any concerns in training will be escalated, whereby extra training will be provided.


Our clinic will provide clear instructions on reporting incidents and concerns and with ongoing training so that all team members know how to meet their safeguarding responsibilities.


The learning outcomes from training are so staff are:


- Competent - have the understanding and required knowledge to carry out safeguarding responsibilities.

- In Control - roles and responsibilities given to all staff.

- Able to Cooperate - staff members understand the importance of cooperating within the Clinic but also with other agencies that can assist in safeguarding.

- Able to Communicate - Clear medical record keeping and reflecting via appraisals and Significant Event Analysis.


Implementation


The Lean Clinic will appoint a designated safeguarding lead (DSL) for adults and children, Dr Natalia Powers, who will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of this policy and ensuring that safeguarding concerns are appropriately addressed.


The DSL will receive regular training and support to ensure that they have the necessary knowledge and skills to carry out their role effectively.


All staff members will receive regular training and support to ensure that they are aware of their responsibilities for safeguarding adults and children, and are able to identify and respond to safeguarding concerns.


The Lean Clinic will establish and maintain appropriate policies and procedures for safeguarding adults and children, including processes for reporting and responding to safeguarding concerns. All medical professionals under the GMC (General Medical Council) must complete Level 3 Safeguarding every 3 years, both for Children and Vulnerable Adults.


The Lean Clinic will work in partnership with other organisations, including local authorities and the police, to safeguard adults and children who use our services.


Prevention of Modern Slavery and Radicalisation


The Lean Clinic recognises the risk of modern slavery and radicalisation and will take appropriate steps to prevent and respond to these risks.


All staff members will receive training and support to ensure that they are aware of the risks of modern slavery and radicalisation, and are able to identify and respond to any concerns.


The Lean Clinic will establish and maintain appropriate policies and procedures to prevent and respond to the risks of modern slavery and radicalisation.


Consent


We understand that patients need to provide consent when engaging with us for treatment. Informed consent can only be acquired when the patient has been provided with sufficient information, in a format they understand. This allows them to weigh up the risks and benefits linked to the treatments we offer.


We accept that patients have the right to choose advice and/or treatment with us or not.


Consent is required before starting any treatment or investigation.


That consent must be


- Informed

- Voluntary

- Within the patient’s ability to make an informed decision.


Consent is a process and can be withdrawn at any moment; we accept and understand this.


Patients have the freedom to ask any questions at any time.


We will ensure patients are fully aware of side effects, cost, what kind of treatment and realistic expectations.


We will be transparent about costs for the initial consultation, blood investigation and treatments.


We will assess if the patient requires information in a different language or format if needed so they can fully understand the information we provide. This will enable them to make an informed decision. 


TLC Safeguarding Contact Details:


Please contact the safeguarding Lead if you need to discuss any case you feel warrants this.


Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Lead Dr Natalia Powers - 07842735748 


Medical Director: Dr Natalia Powers - 07842735748


Review and Monitoring


This policy will be reviewed annually, or as necessary, to ensure that it remains up to date and relevant.


The Lean Clinic will monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of this policy and associated procedures to ensure that safeguarding concerns are appropriately addressed, and that adults and children who use our services are protected from harm.