Freedom of Information Act

The Freedom of Information Act (FOI Act) allows anyone, anywhere in the world, to make a written request for information to any UK public body or agency, subject to certain conditions and exemptions, and expect a reply within 20 working days.

You have the right to know how public services are organised and run, how much they cost, whether they are meeting their targets, and how to complain if you need to.

Anyone can make a request under the Freedom of Information Act but requests must be in writing; state the name of the applicant and a postal or email address for correspondence; and describe the information requested.

You can make a Freedom of Information Act request to NHS Brighton and Hove by emailing foi@bhcpct.nhs.uk.

Or write to:

FOI Coordinator
NHS Brighton and Hove
Level 4, Lanchester House
Trafalgar Place
Brighton
BN1 4FU

Publication scheme

Our Freedom of Information publication scheme provides a complete guide to the information that we routinely make available (much of it through this website) and how to get it.

It groups information into seven classes, in line with the Information Commissioner’s Model Publication Scheme. For each class it lists the publications available, and explains how each one can be obtained and whether there is a charge for it.  Please follow the links below for information about what publications are available in each class.

The seven classes of information are:

• Section 1: Who we are and what we do
• Section 2: What we spend and how we spend it
• Section 3: What are our priorities and how are we doing
• Section 4: How we make decisions
• Section 5: Our policies and procedures
• Section 6: Currently maintained lists and registers
• Section 7: The services we offer

Download a copy of our current publication scheme.

You can request a hard copy of the publication scheme by contacting the FOI Coordinator

Exemptions

There are various exemptions to disclosing information under the Freedom of Information Act.

These come into play:

• if the information can easily be accessed by other means – e.g. the internet or published documents
• if the information is personal information
• if the information is provided in confidence (but only if legally enforceable)
• when there is a legal reason not to disclose
• if the information is about national security, defence, the economy, law enforcement, formulation of Government policy, health and safety, communications with Her Majesty or other royalty, international relations, intended for future publication and commercial interests. However, all exemptions in this group must be tested to see if disclosure is in the public interest.

In addition to these exemptions, the PCT can withhold information if it will take more than two-and-a-half days to provide it, or we cannot identify what information is needed (although we have to work with the requester to clarify what is being requested). The PCT can also withhold information if it is considered that the request is vexatious.

Current publication scheme charges

Website – we do not charge for any information downloaded from this site.

Single page printout from the website – we will print a single page from this site free of charge. You can request this from the scheme coordinator by email, post or by personal application at our offices. We will not provide printouts from other organisations’ websites.

Multiple page printouts from the website –we reserve the right to charge £0.10 per printed sheet plus postage.  If charges are going to apply we will let you know in advance. The 20 day period for replying to your request is then suspended until we receive the fee.

Copies of documents that are not available on the website - We reserve the right to charge £0.10 per printed sheet plus postage.  If charges are going to apply we will let you know in advance. The 20 day period for replying to your request is then suspended until we receive the fee.

NB: for archived documents not listed in this scheme there may be a cost for retrieval.  We will let you know in advance of all costs and charges. The 20 day period for replying to your request is then suspended until we receive the fee.

Leaflets and brochures on services that we offer are free of charge.  A list is given in class 11 together with information about where they can be obtained.

‘Glossy’ or other bound paper copies, CD ROM, video or other media – we may charge for information in these formats.  Please contact the scheme coordinator for further information.

Email – information sent by email will be free of charge unless stated otherwise.

Seeing your medical records

You have the right to see your own medical records, including those held on computer, with only a few exceptions. Our leaflet You and your medical records provides more information about this.