Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act came into effect in January 2000 and gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities. 
 
Individuals already had the right of access to information about themselves under the Data Protection Act 1998 .The FOI Act extended the right to allow access to all types of recorded information held by the Trust.
 
Under the FOI Act it is our duty to adopt a Publication Scheme setting out the classes of information we hold and how and when we publish that information.
 
Alternatively a hard copy is available by contacting:
 
Information Governance Team
Croydon Health Services
Nightingale House
530 London Road
Croydon
Surrey  CR7 7YE
Email: foi@croydonhealth.nhs.uk

The publication scheme is intended to give access to routinely published information held by the Trust.  Much of this information is already available on this website.
 
If the information you require is not already available on this site, you can make a specific request in writing (e-mail is acceptable) giving your contact information (including name and postal address) and clear details of the information you require.
 
Please send all requests to the address or e-mail above.

Requests should contain sufficient information to allow us to identify and locate the information you require.  There will be no charge for this service provided the cost to the Trust for supplying the information does not exceed £450. The Trust will not normally provide information where the cost of supplying it would exceed £450.
 
The Trust aims to respond to every request within within 20 working days. However this process may take longer if:

• We have asked for clarification from you to help locate or retrieve the information being requested
• We are considering whether or not it is in the public interest to withhold information which is subject to an exemption.

The Trust keeps a log of all FoI requests and produces a summary every year of requests received.

Some information held by the Trust is exempt. For example, all personal data (e.g. health records, personnel files) remain protected by the Data Protection Act 1998 and are exempt from disclosure under the FOI Act.
 
Should your request for information be refused we will inform you by letter of the reason and clarify the specific exemption in the FOI Act that applies.
Examples include:

• Where the cost exceeds the prescribed amount
• In the case of vexatious or repeated requests. The definition of “vexatious” is "lacking a sufficient ground and serving only to annoy or harass when viewed objectively"
• Where information already available in our Publication Scheme
• If the disclosure might result in a breach of confidence
• If the information requested is “personal information” and falls within the scope of Data Protection legislation

Should you not agree with the decision you have a right to complain and request a review. You should forward your complaint to:
 
The Chief Executive
Croydon Health Services
Nightingale House
530 London Road
Croydon
Surrey  CR7 7YE
 
If you are still unhappy with the outcome of your complaint, you can contact:
 
Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire  SK9 5AF
Tel: 01625  545 700
 
 

Health records cannot be requested under the FOI Act and remain strictly confidential. No one can ask to see your personal details which are still covered by the Data Protection Act 1998 (DP Act). Equally you cannot make a request to see someone else’s personal information.
 
However you can access your own health records and request a copy.  For more information go to the “Your personal information” page of this site or contact:
 
Information Governance team
Croydon health services
Nightingale House
530 London Road
Croydon
Surrey CR7 7YE
Tel: 020 8401 3475