Freedom of Information

Information about your personal treatment and care will normally be something you will discuss with the healthcare professionals with whom you come into contact. However, there may be other issues about which you would like further information and in this part of our website we explain how you can get such information.

In order to comply with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 public sector organisations such as ours have to routinely publish information whenever possible.

The Information Commissioner, who is responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000, has drawn up what is called a Model Publication Scheme for all public sector organisations which we have decided to adopt and formally commit to. Click here to visit the Information Commissioner website. http://www.ico.gov.uk/what_we_cover/freedom_of_information/publication_schemes.aspx

The model publication scheme specifies seven classes of information and most of the information that we hold will fall into one of the seven classes.

We make as much information as possible routinely available and this can be accessed through our website by using the search facility. This information is updated on a regular basis.

Classes of Information

Who we are and what we do.
This gives information about our organisational structure, where we fit into the NHS, locations and contacts within the organisation,details of Board membership.

What we spend and how we spend it.
This gives details of financial information relating to projected and actual income and expenditure, tendering, procurement and contracts. This information can be found amongst the Board papers.

Who our priorities are and how we are doing.
The PCT regularly reviews its aims and targets, publishing these in a variety of documents. It is also keen to publicise its achievements both as a provider and commissioner of healthcare services to the local population. We are monitored and scrutinised by a number of external bodies in regard to our performance in a variety of areas. These areas may relate to specific service areas, professional, adverse events or to the overall management of the Trust. 

How we make decsions 
Our Board papers are published on the Internet regularly and can be accessed here

Our policies and procedures.
Policies and procedures relating to the conduct of business and the provision of services are routinely published, as are our policies and procedures relating to human resources (including Race, Disability, Age and Gender, Equal Opportunities).

Gift, Sponsorship and Hospitality,  
The PCT is committed to being fair and open, following all statutory obligations. A register is kept and reported through the governance structure to the Board on all received gifts, sponsorship and hospitality, to provide assurance that there is no inappropriate impact on the business as a result of any goods or services received as goodwill gestures.

Gift, Sponsorship and Hospitality Register 2010 - 2011 [Adobe Acrobat PDF - 16.54 KB]  

Gift, Sponsorship and Hospitality Register 2011 - 2012 [Adobe Acrobat PDF - 14.12 KB]

Lists and registers.
This class details Information held in registers required by law and other lists and registers relating to the functions of the authority. The Disclosure Log is also available on this page.

The services we offer.
Information about the services we offer, including leaflets, guidance and newsletters are available under this class, as is the services that we offer.

As an open and transparent organisation we are committed to routinely publishing as much information as possible. However, if you want information which is not on our website or available through other channels you may ask us for it in accordance with further provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and of the Environmental Information Regulations 2005.

By law we have to deal with such requests within 20 working days. Some requests for information may be subject to a fee. If so, we will contact you before we proceed with your request.

Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy 2009 [Adobe Acrobat PDF - 188.53 KB]

Copying Letters to Patients Policy 2009 [Adobe Acrobat PDF - 192.78 KB]

Disclosure log 1 April 2008 31 March 2009 [Adobe Acrobat PDF - 73.24 KB]

Freedom of Information and Environmental Information Regulations Policy [Adobe Acrobat PDF - 45.38 KB]

Freedom of Information Request Form [Adobe Acrobat PDF - 13.68 KB]

Information and Governance Policy 2009 [Adobe Acrobat PDF - 60.5 KB]

Information Charter [Adobe Acrobat PDF - 27.67 KB]

Records Management Policy 2009 [Adobe Acrobat PDF - 132.94 KB]