Freedom of Information
Introduction
The Freedom of Information Act deals with access to official information and applies to most public authorities. It also applies to companies which are wholly owned by public authorities.
The Act gives the public a general right of access to information held by public authorities. The Act also requires public authorities to have an approved publication scheme, which is a means of providing access to information which an authority proactively publishes.
When responding to requests, there are procedural requirements set out in the Act which an authority must follow. There are also valid reasons for withholding information, which are known as exemptions from the right to know.
Full details of your legal obligations can be found in the freedom of information pages of the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) website. You can also find the following guidance to help public authorities comply with the Act:
- Procedural guidance - this deals with the practical aspects of the Freedom of Information Act, such as how to use the Codes of Practice. This section also includes good practice guidance.
- Topic specific guidance - this guidance is designed to assist authorities in dealing with requests for specific types of information, such as information relating to the deceased.
- Sector specific guidance - this is guidance aimed at a particular public authority sector.
- Exemptions guidance - this deals with the exemptions under the Act.
Use our document search to find documents you require.
Access to information
There may be other information which is not available in our publications search that you would like to read, if so, you can make a request for any information held by the PCT which is not already included in the Publication Scheme. If you would like to make a request, it must be made in writing to NHS Haringey either by letter or e-mail.
Please send requests by email to: foi@nclondon.nhs.uk
What happens when I make a request?
NHS Haringey has 20 working days to comply with your request. If NHS Haringey does not have the information, we will let you know within 20 working days of receiving your request. If NHS Haringey does have the information it is available free of charge and it will be provided to you within 20 working days. (Please see ‘Do I have to pay for information?’ section below).
NHS Haringey will try its best to provide you with the information you have requested in the format you require, for example: paper, electronic, CD-ROM (please note there may be a charge for some formats).
Do I have to pay for information?
As a general rule:
- Anything listed in the Publication Scheme is available free of charge if providing one copy in paper-format or if it is downloaded from our website or sent electronically;
- If you require information that comes under the Data Protection Act (such as medical records) there may be a small charge.
What happens if I have a query about the information I receive?
If you have a query about the content of NHS Haringey information you receive then please contact the FOI Lead (details above).
Is there any information that NHS Haringey will not give me?
NHS Haringey will make every effort to provide you with a copy of the information requested and may have to ask you a few questions to make sure that we provide you with what you want. There may be some documentation or certain parts of that documentation which we are not allowed to release, for example:
- Someone else’s medical records.
- A company’s trade secrets.
- Information NHS Haringey received in confidence.
- Any information held in Court records
FOI Guidelines for Staff - in a nutshell
