Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust has an obligation to provide access to certain types of information. The access that is made available is regulated by law.
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 recognises that as a member of the public, you have the right to know how public services such as the NHS are organised and run, how much they cost, and how you can make complaints if you need to. You also have the right to know which services are being provided, the targets that are being set, the standards of services that are expected, and the results achieved.
From January 1st 2005, the Act also requires the Trust to respond to requests about the information that it holds. The Act will create a right of access to that information. The right to request and access this information is subject to some exemptions, which the Trust has to take into consideration before deciding on the types of information that can be released.
More information about the Freedom of Information Act is available on the Information Commissioner’s website at: www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk
Under the Data Protection Act 1998, you are also entitled to access your clinical records or any other personal information held about you.
Anyone requesting information that could be used to identify people with whom the Trust has come into contact, for example patients or staff, will be required to show that they are the person whose information is being requested or that they have lawful authority to access that information. During the course of answering your request, therefore, we will decide what authority or consent is required before the the requested information may be released. We will let you know as soon as possible whether you are required to supply specific consent or authorisation.
New Environmental Information Regulations came into force on 1st January 2005. These Regulations establish a regime that allows people to request environmental information from public authorities (such as this Trust) and other bodies carrying out a public function. The Regulations allow access in a similar way to the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Paper copies of the rights of access to information can be requested from the address below:
Freedom of Information/Open Government Unit
The Department of Health
Richmond House
79 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2NS