Last Updated: 19/12/2025
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing and using https://www.northwestchdnetwork.nhs.uk/ (the “Website”), you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. This Website is managed by the North West, North Wales and The Isle of Man Congenital Heart Disease Network (the “Network”). If you do not agree to these terms, please refrain from using the Website.
2. Purpose of the Website
The Website serves as a resource hub for patients, families, and healthcare professionals within the North West CHD Network. It provides information on clinical pathways, network governance, patient support, and professional clinical guidelines.
3. Medical Disclaimer
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For Patients: The content on this Website is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your consultant, GP, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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For Professionals: Clinical guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) hosted on this site are intended for use by qualified healthcare professionals within the Network. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, clinicians must exercise their own professional judgment and adhere to their specific Trust’s protocols.
4. Intellectual Property and Use of Content
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NHS Copyright: All content, including logos, text, clinical documents, and annual reports, is protected by copyright. Unless otherwise stated, the Network or NHS England owns the intellectual property rights.
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Permitted Use: You may download and print copies of clinical guidelines, referral forms, and patient leaflets for personal use or for the purposes of delivering patient care within the Network. These documents remain the property of the North West CHD Network and must not be amended.
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Restrictions: You must not use any content from this Website for commercial purposes without prior written consent from the Network Board.
5. Links to Third-Party Websites
The Website contains links to partner organisations (e.g., Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust) and third-party charities. The Network is not responsible for the content, privacy policies, or reliability of these external sites.
6. User Responsibilities & Data Protection
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Confidentiality: If you are a healthcare professional using the Website to download referral forms or submit incident reports, you must ensure that no Patient Identifiable Data (PID) is transmitted through non-secure channels. Please follow your local Trust’s Data Protection and IG (Information Governance) policies.
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Accuracy of Information: While we strive to keep the Website up to date, we do not guarantee that the information is always the most current version of a clinical guideline. Users should check the “Version Control” section on clinical documents.
7. Limitation of Liability
The Network, its host Trust (Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust), and its partners shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of, or inability to use, the information on this Website, or from any action or decision taken as a result of using the Website.
8. Accessibility
We are committed to making this Website accessible to all users. If you require any of our documents (e.g., Annual Reports or SOPs) in an alternative format, please contact us at northwestchdnetwork@alderhey.nhs.uk.
9. Changes to Terms
The Network reserves the right to amend these terms at any time. Your continued use of the Website following any changes signifies your acceptance of the updated terms.
10. Governing Law
These terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.