What is the Freedom of Information Act?

In  accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 we routinely publish information. This includes details about our organisation, our services, our priorities, our spending, our policies and procedures, our decisions, and the services we offer. The details and summaries below are a guide to help you to find that information. The Act allows anyone to ask for information held by the Trust and request access to it. The Trust handles Freedom of Information (FOI) requests in accordance with guidance from the Information Commissioner's Office.

 

How do I find out something about the Trust?

Before formally making a request to the Trust for informaiton please check our website first to see if it contains the information you are looking for. As well as using the search function in the top right-hand corner of the page, you should also check the following before submitting a request:

• Our Guide to Information
  
  
• Disclosure log
  
  
• FOI search

How do I request information that isn't on the website?

If you cannot find the information you are looking for on this website then please complete the online request form

Alternatively you can submit your request by writing to;

Trust Freedom of Information Co-ordinator
Legal Services Department
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Robinswood House
Gloucestershire
GL1 3NN 

Please note that requests can only be processed if submitted in writing and if they include your name and address. Requests should include a clear and specific description of the information you are seeking - unclear requests cannot be processed.

If you are unhappy with the Trust's response to your FOI request please contact:

Freedom of Information Lead
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Legal Services Department
Cheltenham General Hospital
Sandford Road
Cheltenham
GL53 7AN 

 

When will my request be answered?

Once we have received your request we aim to respond within 20 working days or sooner. When responding we will first state whether or not we hold the information you are looking for.

 

Can my request be refused?

The Trust's commitment to publish information excludes any information which can legitimately be withheld under the exemptions set out in the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

This means that sometimes not all of the material can be made available for publication or the material made available may be edited. The Freedom of Information Act 2000 has 23 clauses of exemptions. Where individual classes are subject to exemptions, the main reasons are, for example, the protection of commercial interests and personal information under the Data Protection Act 1998. This applies to most Classes within the Publication Scheme.

 

Will there be a charge for my request?

Where the time involved in us investigating whether we hold the information and then obtaining the information requested exceeds a cost of £450 we are entitled to refuse the request.

In this case we will contact you to establish whether you wish to:

• proceed and pay for the request to be undertaken
• amend the request so the cost is reduced to below £450
• no longer proceed with the request

Read more about charges for information.

 

What if I am unhappy with the Trust's response?

In the first instance you can raise your concerns through the Trust's internal complaints procedure by writing to:

Freedom of Information Lead
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Legal Services Department
Cheltenham General Hospital
Sandford Road
Cheltenham
GL53 7AN 

If you are still dissatisfied following the appeals process you have the right under the Freedom of Information Act to apply to the Information Commissioner seeking resolution to the matter.

 

How do I request my health records?

Under the Data Protection Act 1998 you are also entitled to access your clinical records or any other personal information held about you. For advice on how to do this you can contact either of the following offices:

Access to Health Records Office
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
c/o Legal Services Department
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Great Western Road
Gloucester
GL1 3NN

Telephone: 0300 422 5746

Copyright and re-use of public sector information

The information and material that is routinely published is subject to Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's copyright unless otherwise indicated. Unless expressly indicated on the material to the contrary it may be reproduced free of charge in any format or medium, provided it is reproduced accurately and not used in a misleading manner. Where any of the copyright items are being re-published or copied to others, you must identify the source of the material and acknowledge the copyright status. Permission to reproduce material does not extend to any material accessed through the Trust web site that is the copyright of third parties. You must obtain authorisation to reproduce such material from the copyright holders concerned. For further guidance on a range of copyright issues, see the Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) web site: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/information-management/guidance/c.htm

or write to:

London Office
OPSI
102 Petty France
London
SW1H 9AJ

or

Kew Office
OPSI
Kew
Richmond
Surrey
TW9 4DU

Crown copyright, Licensing and Public Sector Information: Tel 020 8876 3444

Legislation and Command Paper Publishing Enquiries: Tel 020 8876 3334