Freedom of Information Act (FOI)

The Trust's Freedom of Information Act Publication Scheme can be downloaded to your computer as a Microsoft Word file.

Freedom of Information Publication Scheme (Word File 178kb)

What is FOI?

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) is a new piece of Law which gives a general right of access to all types of information held by public authorities. It gives the public:

•  The right to be told whether the information exists

•  The right to receive the information

The intention of FOI is to encourage a spirit of openness and transparency throughout the Public Sector and Birmingham Children's Hospital NHS Trust fully supports this aim.

Can information be released about patients or staff?

The FOI does not allow people to obtain personal information about patients or our staff and does not give individuals access to their own personal information-this information is protected by the Data Protection Act 1998.

Under the Data Protection Act 1998, you are entitled to access your clinical records or any other personal information held about you. If you wish to obtain information from Birmingham Children's Hospital NHS Trust under the Data Protection Act 1998, please contact:

The Medical Records Manager,
The Medical Records Department,
Birmingham Children's Hospital,
Steelhouse Lane,
Birmingham,
B4 6NH

Telephone: 0121 333 9692

Can the Trust refuse to provide information under the Act?

The Act aims to strike a balance between promoting openness, protecting the privacy rights of individuals and maintaining the right to confidentiality.

This balance is achieved through use of the exemptions defined by the Act which require us to withhold information that is of a personal, confidential nature or that which may have a negative effect on the conduct of public affairs. 

If we decide not to disclose information to you, we will advise you of the reason(s) why we cannot fulfil your request.

How do I make a request?

All requests for information must be made in writing and directed to:

Lara McGuigan
FOI Lead/Publication scheme coordinator
Room 18
2 nd Floor, Heslop House
Birmingham Children's Hospital
Steelhouse Lane
Birmingham
B4 6NH

Email: lmcguigan@bch.nhs.uk

Tel: 0121 333 8954

Please ensure that you provide a contact name and address when making your request and be as specific as possible about the information you require. You do not have to state why you want the information.

When will I receive a response?

In compliance with the Act, we will endeavour to respond to your request within 20 working days from the date we receive your written request.

If we are unable to provide the information requested within 20 working days, we will advise why, and provide a date by when we expect to be able to respond.

Is there a charge for providing information?

The majority of information detailed in our Publication Scheme is available free of charge. Where a fee may apply for providing information in our Publication Scheme, it will be clearly stated in the scheme.

The Trust is committed to providing information at minimal cost. If a fee is applicable, the Trust will follow the Fees Regulations and national guidance issued by the Department for Constitutional Affairs and the Information Commissioner's Office.

You will be advised in writing by means of a fees notification if any fee applies, before we release any information. The 20 working day timeframe will freeze if a fees notification is sent to you, until your payment has been received. If we do not receive your payment within 3 months from the date of our notification, we will assume that you no longer require the information.

Where can I find out more?

If you should have any other general questions or concerns, you can contact the FOI Lead:

Lara McGuigan
FOI Lead/Publication scheme coordinator
Room 18
2 nd Floor, Heslop House
Birmingham Children's Hospital
Steelhouse Lane
Birmingham
B4 6NH

Email: lmcguigan@bch.nhs.uk

Tel: 0121 333 8954