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Freedom of InformationPETERGATE SURGERY – FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACTWHAT IS THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT? The Freedom of Information Act 2000 aims to produce a culture of openness in public bodies, by providing members of the public with the right to access information held. The main purpose behind this is to show how public money is being used. GP practices, although not government owned, are considered to be ‘public bodies’ for the purposes of the Act. Therefore members of the public (not necessarily patients) can request information from them. This right came into force in 2005. GP practices are required to make information available via a ‘publication scheme’. This may be held in paper form or by electronic means and is available on request. The Practice’s publication scheme follows the model scheme for GP practices approved by the Information Commissioner. FEES In some circumstances, a fee may be charged for the provision of information and the classes of information incurring a fee are listed in the publication scheme. Please ask reception staff for a copy. HOW UP TO DATE IS THE INFORMATION? The Practice complies with the principles of the Freedom of Information Act and as such, updated the publication scheme on at least an annual basis and at other intervals if significant changes occur. Information related to individual health records is not available under this legislation. Please contact the Practice Manager for details of access for this purpose under the Data Protection Act. |
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