Freedom of Information
South Central Strategic Health Authority aims to make available, via this website, as much information as possible about every aspect of our business - how we are organised, what we do, who we work with, how we work and how we are funded- the list is not exhaustive.
Our Publication Scheme is a good place to look for information, if you can’t find what you are looking for please contact us and we will do our best to provide you with the information you seek.
The Freedom of Information Act (2000) recognises that as a member of the public, you have the right to know how public services such as the NHS are organised and run, how much they cost and how you can make complaints or compliments. You have the right to know which services are being provided, the targets that are being set, the standards of services that are expected and the results achieved.
The Freedom of Information Act (2000) creates two obligations for public authorities:
- To publish a Freedom of Information Publication Scheme. The NHS South Central Publication Scheme is a guide to the information we routinely publish and how it may be accessed. This is available below.
- To respond to individual requests for information – to inform the applicant whether we hold the information requested, and if we do to provide it to them (subject to certain exemptions and conditions).
Publication Scheme – Guide to Information
Under section 19 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, South Central Strategic Health Authority (SHA) has a legal duty to adopt and maintain a publication scheme for the publication of information. The purpose of the Act is to promote greater openness by public authorities.
This publication scheme is divided into seven classes and is a guide to the information that is made available to the public. This publication scheme will be reviewed at regular intervals.
Cost of information
In this Publication Scheme, all the electronic information which is downloadable from our website is provided free of charge for personal use. Where information is only available in hard copy there may be a charge for the cost of copying and postage. The cost and charges that will have to be paid in advance will be made known to the requestor. Leaflets and brochures, such as those on services we offer to the public, will be provided free of charge.
Copyright
Please see rights of access to information below, where you wish to re-use information in this publication scheme for commercial gain. Permission to reproduce material does not extend to any material accessed through the publication scheme that is the copyright of third parties. You must obtain authorisation to reproduce such material from the copyright-holders concerned.
The material available through this publication scheme is subject to South Central Strategic Health Authority copyright unless otherwise indicated. Unless expressly indicated on the material to the contrary, it may be reproduced free of charge in any format or medium provided it is reproduced accurately and not used in a misleading manner. If any of the copyright items in this publication scheme are being re-published or copied to others, you must identify the source of the material and acknowledge the copyright status.
For guidance on a range of copyright issues, please visit the Office of Public Sector Information website.
Patient confidentiality
Although we make available a large amount of information through our publication scheme, the Freedom of Information Act does not override a patient’s right of confidentiality. Your rights to confidentiality are protected under article 8 of the Human Rights Convention and the Data Protection Act.
Maintaining the legal right to patient confidentiality continues to be an crucial commitment. To help achieve this, we have appointed someone who is called a Caldicott Guardian (see Responsibilities) who has responsibility to ensure the protection of patient confidentiality throughout the Trust in accordance with your legal rights.
Right of access to information
The Freedom of Information Act recognises that as a member of the public, you have the right to know how public services, such as the NHS, are organised and run; how much they cost; how you can make complaints; to find out which services are being provided and; the targets that are being set, including the standards of services that are expected and the results achieved.
We are also obliged to respond to requests about the information held in any recorded form and the Act creates a right of access to this information. The rights to request and access this information are subject to some exemptions which the Trust has to take into consideration, before deciding what information can be released.
Under the Reuse of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005, you may re-use information for commercial gain in this Publication Scheme or other information supplied under a Freedom of Information request.
Under the Data Protection Act 1998, you are also entitled to access your clinical records or any other personal information held about you.
Responsibilities:
The South Central Strategic Health Authority Caldicott Guardian is:
Prof John Newton
Regional Director of Public Health
South Central Strategic Health Authority
First Floor, Rivergate House
Newbury Business Park
Bath Rd
Newbury
RG14 2PZ
Contacts and feedback:
If you have difficulty in accessing any information within this publication scheme or if you require hard copies or paid-for publications, please either write to us at the following address, or contact us using the form below:
Any questions, comments or complaints about this Scheme or how the SHA has dealt with your request for information from the Scheme should be sent in writing to:
Corporate Office
NHS South Central
First Floor, Rivergate House
Newbury Business Park
London Road
Newbury
RG14 2PZ
