Freedom of Information

The following policy sets out the Practices approach to the Freedom of Information (FOI] Act 2000.

The practice will:

  • Comply with the FOI Act and sees it as an opportunity to enhance public trust and confidence in the practice
  • Ensure that there is always one person with overall responsibility for FOI.  Currently this person is Dr P Bahalkar.
  • Maintain a comprehensive ‘Publication Scheme’ that provides information which is readily accessible without the need for a formal FOI Act request.
  • Seek to satisfy all FOI Act requests promptly and within 20 working days.  However, if necessary we will extend this timescale to give full consideration to a public interest test.  If we do not expect to meet the deadline, we will inform the requester as soon as possible of the reasons for the delay and when we expect to have made a decision
  • Continue to protect the personal data entrusted to us, by disclosing it only in accordance with the GDPR & Data Protection Act 1998
  • Provide advice and assistance to requesters to facilitate their use of FOI Act.  We will publish our procedures and assist requesters to clarify their requests so that they can obtain the information that they require.
  • Work with the Integrated Care Board, NHS England, the local Area Team and other bodies with whom we work to ensure that we can meet our FOI Act obligations, including the disclosure of any information that they hold on our behalf.
  • Apply the exemptions provided in the FOI Act and, where qualified exemptions exist, the practice will disclose the information unless the balance of public interest lies in withholding it.
  • Consult with third parties before disclosing information that could affect their rights and interests.  However, according to the FOI Act, the practice must take the final decision on disclosure
  • Charge for information requests in line with the FOI Act fees regulations or other applicable regulations, including the GDPR & Data Protection Act 1998
  • Record all FOI Act requests and our responses and will monitor our performance in handling requests and complaints
  • Ensure that all staff are aware of their obligations under FOI Act and will include FOI Act education in the induction of all new staff

References

Guide to information provided by GPs under the model publication scheme