Welcome to Freedom of Information

Welcome to the Freedom of Information and Information Governance website.  The Freedom of Information Act is a law which gives you the legal power to request any information that the Trust holds, this may be minutes of meetings, access to services requirements or how the Trust has spent money.  Anyone can request information that the Trust holds under Freedom of Information and can expect a reply within 20 working days unless there is a good reason why this can not be done.

The Trusts within the Dudley Area also have Publication Schemes available to view online.

• What is a Publication Scheme?

  What is a Publication Scheme?

  A publication scheme is a kind of catalogue of information that the Trust routinely makes available and includes such things as department structures and minutes of various meetings.

  All GP Practices in Dudley, the Trust and Dudley Group of Hospitals all have publications schemes which can be accessed here: (Publication Schemes Link) or via the left side navigation bar.

• How do you make an FOI Request?

  How do you make an FOI Request?

  A request under Freedom of Information, must be made in writing and contain your name, address and the information that you want.  To make this easier you can complete the Freedom of Information Request form.

  If you would prefer to write into the Trust please include the information above in your request and contact the Information Governance Department as per the contact us section.

  After a request is made you will receive an acknowledgement of your request including a reference number should you need to contact us further, the Information Governance Team will then obtain the information (if the Trust holds it) and ensure that it is available for disclosure.

• What is data protection and confidentiality?

  What is data protection and confidentiality?

  You can request information about yourself, your child or someone that you take care of (within certain limits) under the Data Protection Act.  This act gives you the right to request the information above and expect a response with the information within 40 days unless there is a good reason why this can not be done.

  The Trust is under a duty in law to hold all your information in a confidential manner, the Trust must ensure your information is safe, accurate and only available to others who need your information to assist with your medical needs or to plan future health requirements.

• How do I get my own medical records?

  How Do I get my own medical Records?

  Medical records are requested in writing under the Data Protection Act, if you wish to get your own records, records of your child or a person you look after please complete the Freedom of Information Request form.

  If you would prefer to write into the Trust please contain the information above in your request and contact the Information Governance Department as per the contact us section.

• What to do if you feel data protection, confidentiality has been broken.

  What to do if you feel data protection, confidentiality has been broken.

  If at any time you feel that the Trust has not protected your information appropriately or has given this information to individuals that you feel should not have it, please contact the Information Governance Department as per the contact us section.