Freedom of Information
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 represents a government commitment to greater openness in the public sector. Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust has fully committed to this and has adopted and embraced a culture of openness.
The Act requires all public authorities (including NHS Trusts) to be open with the information that they collect and hold. The main feature of the Act is the 'general right of access' to information. This right of access has two parts:
- a right to know if the information is held
- the right to see the information
The Act also
- Protects the interests of the requestor, by setting standards for the provision of the information.
- Sets out a number of exemptions from the rights of access. These exemptions help the Trust provide a quality service to our requestors whilst protecting the interests of individuals and third parties who may be affected by the disclosure of this information. If the information you requested is covered by one of these exemptions the Trust will respond and explain why it cannot provide you with the information requested.
- The Freedom of Information act does not change the right to protection of personal confidentiality (for example, patient records) in accordance with Article 8 of the Human Rights convention, the Data Protection Act and common law.
Freedom of Information requests
To make a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act you must:
- Submit your enquiry in writing (this includes emails and facsimiles)
- Give your name and correspondence address
- Describe in full the information you would like
You do not need to:
- Give a reason
- Know if the information exists or not
We will:
- Respond within 20 working days or explain why we can't
Who do you make your request to?
The Act allows you to send your request to any member of staff. However, to help us to help you, we ask that you make our Freedom of Information co-ordinator your first point of contact.
Our Freedom of Information Co-ordinator, David Browning, can be contacted via:
email: foi@sash.nhs.uk
fax: 01737 231769
Integrated Governance and Quality
Room AD88,
Maple House,
East Surrey Hospital,
Canada Avenue,
Redhill,
Surrey,
RH1 5RH
Information request form
