What are cookies?
Cookies are small files saved on your phone, tablet or computer when you visit a website. They cannot be used to identify you personally, but they can help websites work properly and help us understand how the website is used so we can improve it.
How we use cookies
We use cookies to:
- make the website work (for example, security and basic site functionality)
- measure how the website is used (analytics cookies), but only if you give us permission
We do not use cookies to identify you personally.
Some pages may include content or services provided by third parties (for example, embedded videos). These third parties may set their own cookies. Where possible, we block these until you choose to allow them.
Cookie choices (Klaro consent pop-up)
When you first visit our website, you will see a cookie pop-up powered by Klaro. Klaro lets you:
- accept or reject optional cookies
- choose which types of optional cookies you want to allow (for example, analytics)
- change your choices at any time
Klaro stores your cookie preferences in your browser so we can remember your choices. Klaro can store preferences using a cookie or local storage, and the name and expiry can be configured.
Change your cookie settings
You can change your cookie choices at any time by clicking on this button:
Cookies we use
We group cookies into the categories shown in the Klaro pop-up. Klaro can show services individually or grouped by purpose (for example “analytics”).
Strictly necessary cookies (always on)
These cookies are essential for the website to work and cannot be switched off in our systems.
Examples of essential cookies:
- JavaScript / site functionality (for example, remembering whether JavaScript is enabled)
- Cookie preference cookie to store your consent choices (set by the consent tool)
Essential cookies list:
- klaro (or your configured Klaro storage name) – stores your cookie preferences – expiry: [e.g., 30 days / 1 year]
- has_js – records whether JavaScript is enabled – expiry: session
- addanysecurity/loadbalancing/sessioncookiesyourplatformsets]
Analytics cookies (optional)
We use analytics cookies to understand how people use our website (for example, which pages are visited and how users move around the site). This helps us improve content and usability.
We will only set analytics cookies if you allow them in the Klaro pop-up.
Example analytics cookies:
If you use Google Analytics, cookies commonly include:
- _ga – used to distinguish users – expiry: 2 years
- _gid – used to distinguish users – expiry: session/short-lived
- _gat – used to throttle requests – expiry: session
Embedded content
Some pages may include embedded content (for example, YouTube videos). These services may set cookies and collect data. Klaro supports “contextual consent” so embedded content only loads once a user has given consent at the point of use.
Example cookies from embedded video services:
- PREF, VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE, YSC – used by YouTube when videos are embedded – expiry varies
How to control and delete cookies
You can manage your cookie choices in two ways:
- Use the Klaro cookie settings (recommended) to switch optional cookies on or off at any time. [klaro.org]
- Use your browser settings to block or delete cookies. The “Help” function in your browser should tell you how. You can also find general guidance at websites such as aboutcookies.org. Please be aware that restricting cookies may affect how the website works.
Contact us
If you have questions about this cookie policy, please contact:
- Bristol NHS Foundation Trust Communications Team
- Email: NBTCommunications@nbt.nhs.uk
Page last updated: 1 July 2026