Introduction – What is the Freedom of Information Act?

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 aims to produce a culture of openness in public bodies, by providing members of the public with the right to access information held. The main purpose behind this is to show how public money is being used.

GP practices, although not government owned, are considered to be “public bodies” for the purposes of this Act. Therefore members of the public (not necessarily patients) can request information from them. This right came into force in 2005.

GP practices are required to make information available via a “publication scheme”. This may be held in paper form or by electronic means. It will include information commonly requested and is available on request.

Any individual or organisation can make a request for information. The applicant does not have to explain why this information is requested. The Act gives the right to:

• be told if the information exists
• receive information (ideally in the format requested, for example, as a copy or summary

What is a Publication Scheme?

The publication scheme for Bradford on Avon Health Centre is based on the model which has been prepared and approved by the Information Commissioner. The new scheme came into effect on 1st January 2009.

The scheme commits the practice to make information available to the public as part of normal business activities. The types of information are set out below. You can find out more about the Act by visiting www.foi.nhs.uk

Classes of information

• Who we are and what we do
• details of the Practice
• organisational structures
• key personnel
• how we fit into the NHS
• Our services
• the range of services we provide under contract to the NHS
• practice leaflet
• Financial and funding information
• funding details
• charging policies
• financial management
• purchaser equipment and supplies
• Regular publications and information for the public
• guidance and information leaflets relating to the clinical services and health services we provide
• Complaints
• how to make a complaint
• who to contact to make a complaint
• Policies and procedures
• general polices and procedures including; health and safety, data protection, confidentiality

Classes of information which will not be provided include anything covering personal data, security, commercial and individual confidentiality.

How will the information be provided?

Our publication scheme indicates what information is covered and how it can be obtained.

BOAHC Publication scheme - June 09

BOAHC Freedom of Information Leaflet

Charges which may be made for information published under this scheme

The purpose of the scheme is to make the maximum amount of information readily available at minimum inconvenience and cost to the public.

Material which is published and accessed on the website is Free of Charge (FOC). Charges may be made for information under this scheme where they are legally authorised. If a charge is to be made, confirmation of the payment due will be given before the information is provided. Payment may be requested prior to the provision of the information. Charges may be made for actual disbursements incurred such as: photocopying, postage and the cost directly incurred as a result of viewing information.

Request for information

Requests for information must be made in writing (email and fax acceptable) to the Deputy Business Manager and include the name and address for the correspondence and a clear description of the information requested.

All requests will be acknowledged. The information will be responded to within 20 working days from the date of the request. For more complex requests the timescale can be extended and you will be informed of the likely time period.

Patient Confidentiality

The Freedom of Information does not change the right of patients to protection of their patient confidentiality in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

The Data Protection Act gives you the right to access your own personal data. A separate information leaflet is available from reception.

The Information Commissioner

The Information Commissioner is an independent public body and reports directly to Parliament. The Commissioner is responsible for implementing the Act. Further information is available at www.ico.gov.uk/uk