Complaints Procedure
If you are dissatisfied with the way the request has been handled by us
or have other concerns, you have the right to appeal and request a
review of our decision, by writing to:
Assistant Director of Corporate Governance
Hy
wel Dda Health Board
He
adquarters
Mer lin’s Court,
Winch Lane
Hav erfordwest
SA
61 1SB
If, f ollowing a review and you remain dissatisfied with the outcome of
the appeal, you may apply directly to the Information Commissioner
Offi cer (ICO) and ask for a review of the Health board’s decision.
Contact Details
A Brief guide to the
To make a request for information, please write to:
Freedom of Information
The Freedom of Information Officer
Hy
wel Dda Health Board
He
adquarters
Act 2000
Mer lin’s Court,
Win ch Lane
Hav erfordwest
SA
61 1SB
Em ail: xxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxxx.xxx.xx
Telephone: 01437 771265
The Information Commissioner can be contacted at:
The
Information Commissioner’s Office
Wy
cliffe House,
Wat er Lane
Wil
mslow
Ch
eshire, SK9 5AF.
Website: www.ico.gov.uk
What is the Freedom of Information Act (2000)?
There may be some documentation or certain parts of documents which
The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act aims to ensure that public
we are not able to make available. We will check to see what
authorities, such as the NHS are open in the way that they do their
information we hold that relates to the request.
business.
If we have the information requested, a response will be provided within
It als
o helps people to understand better how public authorities carry out
20 working days.
their duties, why they make the decisions they do and how they spend
public money
If we do not have any relevant information, we will inform you as soon as
possible. We will also try to advise you where to access the information
Information in the Publication Scheme
or direct you to an appropriate source in order to obtain the information.
We have developed a Publication Scheme which details all of the
information we routinely publish, such as information on what the
We will try and provide the information in the format requested, for
organisation does, our finances, our policies and processes.
example, paper copy or as an electronic document.
You can access the Publication Scheme in a number of ways:
What happens if the Health Board doesn’t understand my
•
Visit our website: xxx.xxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx
Request?
•
Email: xxxxxxxx@xxxxx.xxx.xx
•
Telephone 01437 771265
Under the Freedom of Information Act, the Health Board has a duty to
•
Write to the address provided on the back of this leaflet
advise and assist requesters. If the Health Board doesn't understand
your request, we will contact you to clarify your request.
Who can request information?
Anyone can request information under the Act.
Fees and Charges
The FOI Act and Fees Regulations stipulate that we cannot levy a fee for
How to make an FOI Request
information unless there is a statutory basis for doing so or the amount
If you would like to see other information or documents which we do not
of time taken to locate the information exceeds 18 hours.
routinely publish, then you have a right to make a FOI request.
If a charge is payable, we will wait for payment before releasing any
The request must be made in writing by letter, email or fax to the FOI
information.
Officer.
No charges will be made for any information accessed via the website.
If you are not sure what information we may have about the topic, please
contact the Freedom of Information Officer to discuss your requirements.
What happens if my request is refused?
Should your request be refused we will inform of the reasons for this
What happens when a request is made?
decision. These may include one of the following reasons:
The FOI Officer will write to you within two working days to inform you that
•
Where the cost exceeds the prescribed amount.
your request has been received and is being processed.
•
Vexatious or repeated requests
•
Information readily available on the Publication Scheme
This is referred to as the “duty to confirm or deny”. These provisions are
•
If one or more exceptions in the act apply.
fully retrospective, meaning that if the Health Board has the information
when the request is received; it must be provided, subject to certain
Should you not agree with the decision or are dissatisfied with the way
conditions and exemptions. Further information can be found in the FOI
the request was handled, you have a right to request a review.
policy, Conditions and Exemptions on our website.