Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information Act (2000) came into force on 1 January 2005, and gives you the right of access to all types of information held by NHS Medway.

You have the right to know how public services such as the NHS make their operational decisions and how public money is used. The Act gives anyone a general right to request access to see official information held by public authorities such as NHS Medway

The Act reflects a national policy to shift from a culture of confidentiality to one of openness, where information is routinely available, subject to certain exemptions, to anyone who wishes to see it.

How to make a FOI request

We would suggest before sending in a request that you visit our publication scheme first. This information can be downloaded and printed via your computer free of charge. However, if you are unable to find what you are looking for on the publication scheme, please make a written request to:

Freedom of Information Team
NHS Kent & Medway
Wharf House
Medway Wharf Road
Tonbridge
TN9 1RE

Tel: 01732 375200
Email: foi@nhs.net

Please note: When sending in your request please make sure you include a valid postal or email address, and include a description of the information required.

FOI requests are for general information and not requests about individuals. Please read our frequently asked questions via the tab above for more information.

Requests for information about Individuals should be made through subject access requests.

How long will it take to reply?

We are obliged to comply with our FOI Act obligations promptly and within 20 working days following the date we receive your request. If we need to ask you for clarification of the request, the 20 working day period does not start until that is received.

How much will it cost to make a request?

A lot of information may be supplied free of charge. At times we may have to charge for FOI requests, for example if the request is going to take longer than 18 hours. However you will always be informed in advance if a fee will apply and you then have time to consider whether or not you would like to continue with your request.

Exceptions

Some times it is not possible to provide you with the information you require. This is due to a number of exemptions that are in operation. For more information please visit the Information Commissioners Office website

Complaints and review process

If you feel that NHS Medway has not supplied you with information in accordance with the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and wish to make a complaint or request a review regarding any of the following:

A refusal of a request for information under Freedom of Information (FOI) Act
Dissatisfaction with a response to a request
The Trust’s Freedom of Information
Non compliance with the scheme

Please write to:

Freedom of Information Team
NHS Kent & Medway
Wharf House
Medway Wharf Road
Tonbridge
TN9 1RE

Tel: 01732 375200
Email: foi@nhs.net

What we will do:

Acknowledge the complaint
Review the procedure and the handling of the request in conjunction with the Freedom of Information Act. The re-evaluation will be carried out by members of staff more senior than the staff member who dealt with the original request for information. The senior staff member will be independent, in that they will have not been involved in the original request for information
A fresh decision will be made on consideration of all the factors relevant to the issue
A one-stage review should be completed in 20 working days. In exceptional cases it may be appropriate to take longer but even in those cases it should not exceed 40 working days.

If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the re-evaluation you have the right to refer your complaint to the Information Commissioner at:

Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF

Visit the Information Commissioner’s Office website for more information.