Freedom of information - Publication Scheme
1. Introduction2. Classes of information3. Method by which information published under this scheme will be made available4. Charges which may be made for information published under this scheme5. Copyright6. Written requests
1. Introduction
What is a Publication Scheme
This Publication Scheme is a guide to information routinely published by NHS Bedfordshire. It is a description of the information about our trust, which we make publicly available. We shall review the Scheme at regular intervals and monitor how it is operating.
It is important that the Publication Scheme meets the needs of the public, patients and staff. It is designed to be a route map to find information about NHS Bedfordshire easily. Under section 19 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, NHS Bedfordshire has a legal duty to adopt and maintain a Publication Scheme for the publication of its information. The purpose of the Act is to promote greater openness by public authorities, which includes the NHS.
Sometimes, however, some or all of the information you ask for cannot be provided. If this happens, the reasons will be explained to you.
There are seven classes of information described within this Scheme. Information in each of the classes will be retained in line with the NHS Bedfordshire’s retention and disposal schedules, which comply with the NHS Records management Code of Practice and National Archives (Public Record Office) Guidance.
NHS Bedfordshire is obliged to respond to requests about the information which it holds and is recorded in any form, and to create access to that information. These rights are subject to some exemptions, which the PCT has to take into account before deciding what information can be released.
The Freedom of Information Act recognises that, as a member of the public, you have the right to know how public services such as the NHS are organised and run, how much they cost and how you can make a complaint if you need to. You have the right to know which services are being provided, the targets that are being set, the standards of services that are expected and the results achieved.
If you have any questions about the Publication Scheme or would like advice about making a request, please contact:
Mike Thompson,
NHS Bedfordshire
Gilbert Hitchcock House
21 Kimbolton Road
Bedford
MK40 2AW
Tel: 01234 897200
email mike.thompson@bedfordshire.nhs.uk
If you have a complaint about the Publication Scheme, or the way in which your request for information was handled, please contact:
Peter Howard
Senior Public Liaison Manager
NHS Bedfordshire
Gilbert Hitchcock House
21 Kimbolton Road
Bedford
MK40 2AW
Tel: 01234 897200
E-mail: complaints@bedfordshire.nhs.uk
2. Classes of information
- Class 1: Who we are and what we do more information
- Class 2: What we spend and how we spend it more information
- Class 3: Our priorities and how we are doing more information
- Class 4: How we make decisions more information
- Class 5: Our policies and procedures more information
- Class 6: Lists and registers more information
- Class 7: The services we offer more information
The classes of information will not generally include:
- Information the disclosure of which is prevented by law, or exempt under the Freedom of Information Act, or is otherwise properly considered to be protected from disclosure.
- Information in draft form.
- Information that is no longer readily available as it is contained in files that have been placed in archive storage, or is difficult to access for similar reasons.
3. The method by which information published under this scheme will be made available
NHS Bedfordshire will indicate clearly to the public what information is covered by this scheme and how it can be obtained.
Where it is within the capability of NHS Bedfordshire, information will be provided on its website at www.bedfordshire.nhs.uk. Where it is impracticable to make information available on the website or when an individual does not wish to access the information by the website, information can be obtained by contacting the:
Mike Thompson,
NHS Bedfordshire
Gilbert Hitchcock House
21 Kimbolton Road
Bedford
MK40 2AW
Tel: 01234 897200
E-mail: mike.thompson@bedfordshire.nhs.uk
In exceptional circumstances some information may be available only by viewing in person. An appointment to view the information will be arranged within a reasonable timescale.
Information will be provided in the language in which it is held or in such other language that is legally required. Where NHS Bedfordshire is legally required to translate any information, it will do so.
Obligations under disability and discrimination legislation and any other legislation to provide information in other forms and formats will be adhered to when providing information in accordance with this scheme.
4. Charges which may be made for information published under this scheme
The purpose of this scheme is to make the maximum amount of information readily available at minimum inconvenience and cost to the public. Charges made by NHS Bedfordshire for routinely published material will be justified and transparent and kept to a minimum.
Material which is published and accessed on a website will be provided free of charge.
Charges may be made for information subject to a charging regime specified by Parliament.
Charges may be made for actual disbursements incurred such as:
- photocopying
- postage and packaging
- the costs directly incurred as a result of viewing information
Charges may also be made for information provided under this scheme where they are legally authorised, they are in all the circumstances, including the general principles of the right of access to information held by public authorities, justified and are in accordance with a published schedule or schedules of fees which is readily available to the public.
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 provision of the information.
5. Copyright
The material available through this Publication Scheme is subject to NHS Bedfordshire’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 in this Scheme 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 Publication Scheme that is the copyright of third parties. You must obtain authorisation to reproduce such material from the copyright holders concerned. For HMSO Guidance Notes on a range of copyright issues, see the HMSO website www.hmso.gov.uk/guides.htm or contact:
HMSO Licensing Division,
St Clements House,
2-16 Colegate,
Norwich,
NR31BQ,
Tel: 01603 621000,
Fax: 01603 723000
6. Written requests
Information held by NHS Bedfordshire that is not published under this scheme can be requested in writing, when its provision will be considered in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.
Information can be requested using the online request form or in writing to:
Trust Board Secretary
NHS Bedfordshire
Gilbert Hitchcock House
21 Kimbolton Road
Bedford
MK40 2AW