1. Information We Collect

We collect only the personal information that is reasonably necessary to provide you with the services you request and operate our website.

1.1. Newsletter sign-ups

If you subscribe to our newsletters, we may collect:

• Your name (optional)
• Your email address
• Your selected pain stage or general knee-related information (optional)

1.2. Surgeon appointment requests

If you complete a form to request an appointment or consultation with a knee specialist, we collect:

• Your name
• Email address
• Contact number
• Location
• Any other information you voluntarily provide in the form

1.3. Website interactions

We may collect limited, non-identifiable website usage information for analytics purposes to improve user experience. This may include:

• Page views
• Time spent on the site
• Approximate geographic location (non-specific)

We do not intentionally collect or store sensitive medical records or detailed clinical data through this website.

2. How We Use Your Information

2.1. For newsletter subscribers

If you sign up for our newsletter, your information will be used to:

• Send educational content related to knee health
• Provide tips, guides, and relevant updates
• Deliver marketing emails related to our services or content

Your data is securely stored in our email marketing platform, TouchBase Pro.

You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of any email.

2.2. For people requesting a surgeon appointment

If you fill out a “request an appointment” or “find a specialist” form:

• Your information will be shared only with the specific surgeon or specialist you selected so they can contact you directly and schedule an appointment.
• We do not use your information for marketing unless you separately opt in to our newsletter.

2.3. For website analytics

We use anonymous, aggregated analytics to:

• Improve the website
• Understand user behaviour
• Optimise content and navigation

This information cannot identify you personally.

3. How We Share Your Information

We only share your information in the following circumstances:

3.1. Surgeon consultation requests

If you submit a form requesting to book a consultation with a surgeon, your information will be sent directly to that surgeon or their practice team so they can contact you and arrange an appointment.

3.2. Email marketing platform

If you subscribe to our newsletter, your details are stored in TouchBase Pro solely for email communication.

We do not:

• Sell your information
• Share your information with third parties unrelated to the above functions
• Share newsletter subscriber details with any surgeons or external businesses

4. Your Rights Under POPIA

You have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Correct inaccurate or outdated personal information
• Request deletion of your data
• Withdraw consent for marketing at any time by unsubscribing
• Object to the processing of your personal information

To exercise your rights, email us at: info@soreknees.co.za

5. How We Protect Your Information

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

• Encrypted website form submissions
• Secure storage in TouchBase Pro
• Restricted internal access
• Regular security monitoring

Although no online system can guarantee complete security, we take all reasonable steps to protect your data in line with POPIA.

6. Data Retention

We retain your information only as long as needed:

• Newsletter subscriber data is kept until you unsubscribe.
• Surgeon appointment request data is stored only long enough to process the referral and confirm successful delivery.

After this, data is securely deleted.

7. Cookies

The Sore Knees website may use cookies to improve functionality and enhance user experience. You can adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies if you prefer.

8. Updates to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. The updated version will always be available on this page with a revised “last updated” date.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this privacy policy or how your information is handled, you can reach us at:

Email: info@soreknees.co.za
Website: www.soreknees.co.za