Cookies are small files saved on your device. UK Hospitals does not use advertising cookies. We only use analytics cookies if you accept them.
Cookies we use
| Name | Set by | Purpose | Expires |
|---|---|---|---|
| __cf_bm (only if Cloudflare detects unusual traffic) | Cloudflare | Strictly necessary: protects the site from automated attacks | 30 minutes |
Analytics cookies (only if you accept)
If you press “Accept analytics cookies” in the cookie banner, we use Google Analytics to see which pages are used, how people find them and which main buttons they use (such as Call, Directions, Search or Use my location), and Microsoft Clarity to see how pages are used (clicks, scrolling and anonymous session replays), so we can improve the site. If you reject them, or do not answer, neither tool is loaded at all.
| Name | Set by | Purpose | Expires |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics | Tells visits apart, so we can count visitors | 2 years |
| _ga_8QDMTCGG9P | Google Analytics | Keeps track of the current visit | 2 years |
| _clck | Microsoft Clarity | Recognises a returning browser, so visits can be counted | 1 year |
| _clsk | Microsoft Clarity | Links the pages viewed in one visit | 1 day |
Maps
The maps on facility pages, region pages and in the finder come from our own website (Ordnance Survey open map data). They set no cookies and send nothing to a map company. The “Get directions” link opens Google Maps only if you press it, and Google may then set its own cookies on its site.
Information stored in your browser
We use your browser’s storage only for features you choose to use. We cannot see any of it.
| Name | What it is for | How long |
|---|---|---|
| ukh_consent (local storage) | Your answer to the cookie banner, so we do not ask again | Until you clear it or change your cookie settings |
| ukhc_saved (local storage) | Places you save with “Save” | Until you remove them |
| ukhc_card (local storage) | Your “My health card” details | Until you delete them |
| ukhc_here (session storage) | The area you searched, so results stay the same while you browse | Until you close the tab |
| Offline cache (service worker) | Copies of the finder and some pages so they work without a connection | Replaced as pages change |
You can remove all of these at any time by clearing your browser’s site data for ukhospitals.uk.
Visitor statistics
We count visits with Cloudflare Web Analytics. It does not use cookies or local storage, does not identify you and does not follow you across other websites. It tells us things like how many people viewed a page and how quickly pages load. Because nothing is stored on your device, it does not need your consent. Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity (above) are used only if you accept analytics cookies. We do not use any advertising tools.