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Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) 2000, you have the right to see information held by public authorities, including NHS organisations. The Act allows access to recorded information, such as policies and procedures, reports, minutes of meetings, and correspondence.
The FOI Act requires every public authority to publish a Publication Scheme that tells people what information is routinely available to them, and how to get it. York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has adopted the Information Commissioner's new Model Scheme for NHS Bodies in England. Information is provided under seven class headings:
Paper copies of the publication scheme can be obtained from:
The Freedom of Information Officer
Information Department
Park House
Bridge Lane
York YO31 8ZZ.
Telephone: (01904) 725306
If the information you require is included in the Publication Scheme, instructions are included on how to gain access. Much of the information in the Scheme is published here on the Trust's web site for your convenience.
If you require information which is not available through the Publication Scheme, you should make a written request to the Freedom of Information Office at the address above, or
Email: foi.requests@york.nhs.uk
If you would like to make an application to see your medical records, then please click here.
The Trust strives to be open and is normally able to satisfy requests in full. However the right of access is not absolute and some requests may have to be refused, for example where disclosure would breach patient confidentiality or put people in danger. Decisions will be made subject to the law, taking into account the public interest, and applicants have the right of appeal.
The Office of the Information Commissioner, who oversees compliance with Freedom of Information in England, publishes much useful guidance on its website.