Freedom of information
The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act was passed on 30 November 2000 and became fully operational on 1 January 2005.
The Act gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities including NHS North of Tyne on behalf of Newcastle PCT, North Tyneside Primary Care Trust and Northumberland Care Trust.
The intention of the Act is to encourage a spirit of openness and transparency in the NHS and to let the public see how we make decisions and organise and deliver our services. Northumberland Care Trust fully supports this aim.
Northumberland Care Trust, North Tyneside PCT and Newcastle PCT have a joint freedom of information policy detailing how we meet our obligations under the Act together with procedures for responding to requests for information. To view the policy please follow the link below.
To view the freedom of information requests received by the Trust please follow the link below:
A guide to information in Northumberland Care Trust
Since October 2003, each NHS trust has been obliged to maintain a guide to information which identifies the documents we publish on a routine basis. The FOI act requires every public authority to adopt and maintain a guide to information which has been approved by the Information Commissioner, and to publish information in accordance with the guide.
As of January 2009, one approved model guide has been adopted by all authorities. The guide lists information under seven broad classes:
- Who we are and what we do
- What we spend and how we spend it
- What are our priorities and how are we doing
- How we make decisions
- Our policies and procedures
- List and registers
- The services we offer
We endeavour to ensure that this website provides a comprehensive and user-friendly guide to information about Northumberland Care Trust. By using the search facility on this website you should be able to locate the majority of information you are looking for.
Full access rights
From January 2005 the PCT has been obliged to respond to requests for information it holds which is not covered by the guide to information. There will be some exemptions to what may be made available, for example personal information or information that is commercially sensitive. Full details of the exemptions can be found in the guide to information.
All requests for information should be in writing (email is acceptable) and should include your name, address and a description of the information you wish to see.
Who to contact
If you would like to make a request under the freedom of information act or require advice please contact:
Freedom of Information Lead
Bevan House
1 Esh Plaza
Sir Bobby Robson Way
Great Park
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE13 9BA
Tel: 0191 217 2702
Email: foi@northoftyne.nhs.uk
Your rights to confidentiality
While the purpose of the Act is to promote greater openness by public authorities, this does not alter your right to the protection of your confidentiality as a patient in accordance with Article Eight of the Human Rights Convention, the Data Protection Act 1998 and under common law. Under the Data Protection Act, you are entitled to see your health records or any other personal information held about you. Further guidance on how you can access your health records can be found in the guide to information.
Your right to complain
If you are unhappy with a response received under the Freedom of Information Act, you have the right to make a formal complaint. This should be made in writing to the chief executive of the trust. The complaint will be investigated by an executive director of the trust and response made within 20 working days.
Chris Reed
Chief executive
Northumberland Care Trust
c/o NHS North of Tyne
Bevan House
1 Esh Plaza
Sir Bobby Robson Way
Great Park
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE13 9BA
If you still remain unhappy following this response, you have the right to refer your complaint to the Information Commissioner's Office. The information commissioners office is independent of the NHS and has been set up to promote access to official information and to protect personal information. The information commissioners office has published a booklet detailing how to complain under Freedom of Information.
