Further information
For further information about the Act, please follow the below
links:
Information Commissioner’s Office:
https://ico.org.uk/ Freedom of Information Act 2000 legislation:
www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/2000036.htm Ministry of Justice:
www.justice.gov.uk Campaign for Freedom of Information:
www.cfoi.org.uk
National Archives:
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
Freedom of Information (FOI)
How can I help reduce healthcare associated
infections?
Act 2000
Infection control is important to the well-being of our patients
and for that reason we have infection control procedures in
place. Keeping your hands clean is an effective way of
preventing the spread of infections. We ask that you, and
anyone visiting you, use the hand sanitiser available at the
entrance to every ward before coming in to or after leaving
the ward. In some situations hands may need to be washed
at the sink using soap and water rather than using the hand
sanitiser. Staff will let you know if this is the case.
Public information leaflet
If you require a translation or an alternative format
www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk
of this leaflet please call PALS on 01296 316042
Follow us on Twitter @buckshealthcare
Author: FOI Co-ordinator
Leaflet code: FOI-001
Issue date: June 2016
Version: 4.0
Review date: June 2018
What is the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act?
It is a law passed by the Government in 2000 that gives you the right to
request for information under the FOI Act as the information may have
request information from government services to encourage greater
already been published, and could save you time. The Scheme is
openness in the public sector. In 2005 the scope of the Act was extended
available at
www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk. Or please contact the
to cover other public services including NHS Trusts.
Freedom of Information co-ordinator.
The aim of the Act is to promote trust and confidence in our public
What type of information can I ask for?
services by providing clear information and being open about what we
You can ask for any
recorded information, for example our annual
do. The Trust recognises the importance of the FOI Act in helping to
reports, financial information or clinical performance data.
transform the culture of the public sector to one of greater openness.
When will I receive this information?
How do I ask for information?
We will acknowledge the receipt of your request within two working
All requests for information should be made in writing via email or post:
days and the Act requires us to provide you with the information within
20 working days of the receipt of your request.
Email:
xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
Can my request be declined?
Post: Freedom of Information (FOI) co-ordinator
We will provide you with the information unless the information you
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust
requested falls into one of the exemptions under the FOI Act , for
Trust Headquarters
example if your request relates to someone’s personal details, or the
Amersham Hospital
information, if given, would provide an unfair commercial advantage.
Whielden Street
A full list of these exemptions can be found on the Information
Amersham, Bucks, HP7 0JD
Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and FOI legislation websites as
described on page 4.
The FOI co-ordinator can be contacted by phone on 01494 734959 for
advice and assistance. However all requests must be made in writing.
If we decline your request, we will explain our reasons for doing so. If
you do not agree with our decision you can ask for the decision to be
You must clearly state what information you are requesting together with
reconsidered and, if the request is still declined, you can ask the ICO
your name and postal or email address. You do not need to state why
to review the decision. The ICO is an independent body that enforces
you are asking for the information.
the FOI Act, the Data Protection Act and the Environmental
Information Regulations.
Publication Scheme
We also have a publication scheme, which is an online facility that
collates information that can be obtained via the FOI Act.
How much will it cost to make a request?
The information we routinely make available, for example are our annual
In most cases, the information is provided free of charge. However,
reports, financial information and clinical performance.
sometimes you may have to pay a fee to cover administration costs,
postage, photocopying or because of the expense involved in finding
It is a good idea to check the publication scheme before making a
and supplying the information. You will be informed if a fee will apply.
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