Freedom of
Information Act
The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act
became law on 30th November 2000. It
gives the public a right of access
to all types of recorded information
held by public authorities,
including the Health Service. With
full access rights coming into force
in January 2005.
Publication
Schemes
Every NHS organisation, including
general practices (GMS and PMS), is
required to produce a Publication
Scheme, which will inform the public
about how and when the organisation
will make information available.
Organisations can
publish information in a variety of
formats. (e.g. by email, on a
website or in hard copy.)
Practices which have a website may
make the information available there
(or on the website of their PCT),
but practices will also be required
to make hard copies available if
requested.
Practices can make
a charge for providing information
(particularly if hard copy is
requested), but the Publication
Scheme must stipulate what the
charges will be. All requests for
information must be responded to
within 20 working days.
Does the
FOI Act affect patients' rights to
access their medical records?
The FOI Act does not give
individuals access to personal
information held about them. It is
the Data Protection Act 1998 which
gives, and will continue to give,
patients rights of access to their
medical records.
Would
you like to view the practices first
stage of recorded information?
To access and view the practices
first stage of recorded information,
please
click here.
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