The Freedom of Information Act 2000 recognises the need for openness and accountability in the public sector and provides the public with a general right of access to information held by public bodies, including the NHS.
Anyone can ask for any recorded information held by us. You do not have to provide a reason for your request. We will tell you whether we hold the information you require and disclose it unless a statutory exemption applies.
Requesting health records
If you are requesting your health records from this Trust please go to our access to health records page.
The Environmental Information Regulations 2004 are an alternative way of requesting information from public authorities when the information being requested relates to the environment. The Regulations will be applied instead of the Freedom of Information Act if we consider this to be the case.
Before you make a request
The information you need may already be published. Before making a request please check our publication scheme.
The publication scheme contains a range of information:
- Who we are and what we do
- Our priorities and how are we doing
- How we make decisions
- Our policies and procedures
- The services we offer
How to make a request
If the information you require is not already published on our website, you can request it by writing to us by e-mail at [email protected] or by post to:
Information Governance
Trust Headquarters,
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Sheriff Hill
Gateshead
NE9 6SX
Your request must:
- be made in writing (not applicable to requests for environmental information);
- clearly describe the information you require; and
- include your name and either a postal or email address for correspondence.
You can specify the manner and format in which you wish to receive the information (e.g. a copy, summary, table, by email or letter). We will attempt to meet your wishes.
How long does it take?
Our response should be sent to you within 20 working days of receipt of your request unless we need to contact you to clarify your request, or the public interest test needs to be considered.
Is there a charge for access to the information?
We do not normally charge for providing information. However, we may ask you to pay a fee, for example, if you request multiple hard copies or copying onto media such as a CD-ROM.
Will I get the information I have requested?
We disclose most of the information we are asked for. However, your request (or part of it) can be refused if:
If you are not happy with our decision
If you are not happy with our response or with our handling of your request, please let us know, and we will try to resolve any issues informally. If you are not satisfied with the informal resolution, you may request an internal review by:
Contact the Information Governance team
Information Governance
Trust Headquarters,
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Sheriff Hill
Gateshead
NE9 6SX
Any review request should be submitted within two months of the date of our response.
The review will be conducted by a person who was not involved in the handling of the original response. The reviewer will examine the decision that was made in the original response and decide if the legislation was applied correctly. You will be informed of the reviewer’s decision in writing. This may support the original decision or overturn it. Any information that we feel able to provide will accompany the reviewer’s response.
If you are not happy with the outcome of the internal review, you have the right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision. Further information can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website