This Cookie Policy explains how QE Facilities Limited (“QEF”, “we”, “our”, “us”) uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our website.
Who we are
QE Facilities Limited is a company wholly owned by Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust.
Contact details
If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy or the way QEF use cookies, please contact:
- Address:
Spire House,
Fellside Road,
Whickham,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE16 4AL- Phone number:
- 0191 445 7400
What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your computer, tablet or mobile device when you visit a website. Cookies help websites work properly, improve user experience and provide information to the website owner.
Cookies may collect information such as:
- Your device type and browser
- Pages visited and time spent on the website
- Preferences and settings
- Whether you have visited the website before
Cookies do not usually identify you personally, but where they do, any personal information collected will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Why we use cookies
We use cookies to:
- Ensure the website functions correctly
- Keep the website secure
- Remember your preferences
- Understand how visitors use our website
- Improve website performance and content
- Support embedded content and third-party services
Types of cookies we use
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the operation of the website and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions you take, such as:
- Setting your privacy preferences
- Logging into secure areas
- Completing forms
- Remembering cookie consent choices
Without these cookies, some parts of the website may not function correctly.
Cookie: cookie_consent
Purpose: Records your cookie preferences
Duration: 12 months
Cookie: session_id
Purpose: Maintains your secure session while using the website
Duration: Session
Performance and Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website by collecting information anonymously. We use this information to improve the website and the services we provide.
These cookies may collect information such as:
- Number of visitors
- Which pages are visited most often
- How users move around the website
- Whether any errors occur
We may use services such as Google Analytics.
Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| _ga | Used by Google Analytics to distinguish users | 2 years |
| _gid | Used by Google Analytics to distinguish users | 24 hours |
| _gat | Used by Google Analytics to limit request rate | 1 minute |
For more information about Google Analytics cookies, please visit: https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/11397207
Functionality Cookies
These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make and provide enhanced, more personalised features.
Examples include:
- Remembering your preferred language
- Remembering completed forms
- Remembering previously selected preferences
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| language_pref | Stores your preferred language or regional setting | 12 months |
| user_preferences | Remembers selected website preferences | 12 months |
Third-Party Cookies
Some pages on our website may contain content from third parties such as:
- YouTube
- Microsoft Forms
- Google Maps
- Social media sharing tools
These third parties may place cookies on your device if you interact with their content. We do not control these cookies and recommend that you review the relevant third-party privacy and cookie policies.
Examples may include:
Third Party | Purpose |
|---|---|
| YouTube | To play embedded videos and remember preferences |
| To enable social media sharing and analytics | |
| Google Maps | To display maps and location information |
Managing your cookie preferences
When you first visit our website, you will be asked whether you wish to accept or reject non-essential cookies.
You can change your cookie preferences at any time by:
- Using the cookie settings link on our website
- Adjusting your browser settings
- Deleting cookies already stored on your device
Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of the website.
Further information on how to manage cookies in your browser can be found at:
- Google Chrome: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647
- Microsoft Edge: https://support.microsoft.com/microsoft-edge
- Mozilla Firefox: https://support.mozilla.org/
- Safari: https://support.apple.com/safari
You can also find more general information at www.aboutcookies.org.
Changes to this Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes to our website, technology or legal requirements.
Any updates will be published on this page and will take effect immediately.
We recommend that you review this policy regularly.