Cookies

What are cookies?

Cookies are small pieces of data, stored in text files, that are stored on your computer or other device when websites are loaded in a browser. They are widely used to ‘remember’ you and your preferences, either for a single visit (through a ’session cookie’) or for multiple repeat visits (using a ‘persistent cookie’). They ensure a consistent and efficient experience for visitors, and perform essential functions such as allowing users to register and remain logged in. Cookies may be set by the site that you are visiting (known as ‘first party cookies’), or by other websites who serve up content on that site (‘third party cookies’).

Cookies and SCAS
Sites hosted on www.scas.nhs.uk use ‘strictly necessary cookies’ for technical reasons; those that enable a personalized experience for visitors and registered users. Some of these cookies may be set when a page is loaded, or when a visitor takes a particular action, such as clicking the ‘like’ or ‘follow’ button on a post.

‘Strictly Necessary Cookies’ we use:

Functionality
These cookies are used to store preferences set by users such as account name, language, and location. They are not used to track visitors on sites that are not hosted on WordPress.com.

Examples:
akm_mobile – stores whether a user has chosen to view the mobile version of a site.
botdlang – used to track the language a user has selected to view popular blogs in.
wordpress_logged_in* – used to check whether the current visitor is a logged in WordPress.com user.

Performance
Performance cookies collect information on how users interact with our websites, including what pages are visited most, as well as other analytical data. These details are only used to improve how a website functions.

Examples:
ab – used for AB testing of new features.
tk_ni|tk_ai|tk_qs – collection of internal metrics for user activity, used to improve user experience.

Embedded Content
We use embedded content from video sites such as Youtube and Vimeo. As a result, cookies may be set by these third parties, and used by them to track your online activity. We have no direct control over the information that is collected by these cookies.

Controlling cookies
Visitors may wish to restrict the use of cookies, or completely prevent them from being set. Most browsers provide for ways to control cookie behaviour such as the length of time they are stored – either through built-in functionality or by utilizing third party plugins.

To find out more on how to manage and delete cookies, visit aboutcookies.org. For more details on advertising cookies, and how to manage them, visit youronlinechoices.eu (EU based), or aboutads.info (US based).

It’s important to note that restricting or disabling the use of cookies can limit the functionality of sites, or prevent them from working correctly at all.