The Freedom of Information Act, gives the general right of access to all types of recorded information held by the practice. The intention of the Act is to encourage a spirit of openness and transparency in the NHS and the whole public sector. Our organisation aims to fully support this.
The public have had full access rights from January 2005. This means that far more information will be routinely and freely made available. This is subject to some exemptions, which will be outlined later in this leaflet.
Any individual or organisation can make a request for information. The applicant does not have to explain why this information is requested. The Act gives the right to:
- Be told if information exists.
- Receive information (ideally in the format requested, for example, as a copy or summary or the applicant may ask to inspect a record).
Responding to Requests
All requests for information must be responded to within 20 working days. A fee can be charged when dealing with a request. This will be calculated in accordance with the Act. If a fee is required for information requested, the 20 day timescale can be extended to up to three months.
The Secretary of State has set limits to charges, should the request for information exceed these charges, this practice does not have to action the request. There maybe a charge for information not covered by the Act or for large amounts of information that might not otherwise be disclosed due to the cost.
The practice is not obliged to comply with vexatious requests or repeated or substantially similar requests from the same person other than at reasonable intervals.
Exemptions
There is a range of exemptions covering personal data, security, formulation of government policy commercial and individual confidentiality. A further absolute exemption is where information is accessible by other means or if the information has been provided in confidence. Other exemptions include information relating to commercial interests and audit functions
Request for Information
Requests must be in writing (email acceptable) and must include the name and address for the correspondence and a clear description of the information requested.
Requests for information should be made to the practice manager:
Miss Geraldine Jackson
Letter:
Brooklands Medical Practice
594-596 Altrincham Road
Brooklands
Manchester
M23 9JH
Email: [email protected]
The Information Commissioner
The information Commissioner is an independent public body and reports directly to Parliament. The Commissioner is responsible for implementing the Act. Further information available at www.ico.org.uk.
Access to Records
In accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and Access to Health Records Act, patients may request to see their medical records. Such requests should be made through the practice manager and may be subject to an administration charge. No information will be released without the patient consent unless we are legally obliged to do so.