The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) was passed on 30 November 2000. The Act gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by the Trust. It sets out exemptions from that right and places a number of obligations on the trust.
The Act came into force in January 2005. People already have the right to access information held about themselves under the Data Protection Act 1998. This is known as subject access request. The FOIA extends these rights to allow people to request access to non-personal information held by the trust. However, the trust will not be required to release information to which an exemption applies, i.e. information may not be released if it would prejudice national security or law enforcement.
The Act gives applicants two related rights:
- The right to be told whether the information exists
- The right to receive the information
The Act places a duty on the Trust to adopt and maintain a publication scheme approved by the Information Commissioner. The scheme sets out the type of information the Trust publishes, the form of information published, and explains any charges that may apply.
Publication scheme
The Publication Scheme is divided into seven high level classes of information. Before submitting a request for information please take a look at the information below as you may find what you are looking for is already available on this website.
Organisational information, locations and contracts, constitutional and legal governance.
Financial information relating to projected and actual income and expenditure, tendering, procurement and contracts.
Strategy and performance information, plans, assessments, inspections and reviews.
Policy proposals and decisions. Decision making processes, internal criteria and procedures, consultation.
Current written protocols for delivering our functions and responsibilities.
Information held in registers required by law and other lists and registers relating to the functions of the authority.
Request information
Requests for information must be submitted in writing, this can be done using the form below or by writing to:
Freedom of Information, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, Sceptre Point, Sceptre Way, Walton Summit, Preston, PR5 6AW.