What is a publication scheme?
The Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Publication Scheme is a guide to the information routinely published by the Trust. It is a description of the type of information our Trust makes publicly available, concerning the way in which we work. We will review the Scheme at regular intervals and monitor how it works.
It is important this Scheme meets your needs. It has been designed so that you can easily find the information you require and more.
Why does the Trust have a publication scheme?
Under Section 19 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, which can be viewed in full by visiting www.hmso.gov.uk, The Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has a legal duty to adopt and maintain a Publication Scheme. The purpose of the Act is to promote greater openness by all public authorities (including NHS Trusts).
How long is information held for?
Information under each class will be retained in line with the Trust's retention and disposal schedules.
What if I have a question about the publication scheme?
We welcome your views. Please send your questions or comments to:
Sally Maine
Information Access Coordinator
Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Royal Derby Hospital
Uttoxeter Road
Derby
Derbyshire
DE22 3NE
foi@derbyhospitals.nhs.uk
What if I have a complaint about the scheme?
If you have a complaint about how the Publication Scheme works, or how Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust dealt with your request for information, please write to:
The Chief Executive
Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Royal Derby Hospital
Uttoxeter Road
Derby
DE22 3NE
Can anyone outside the Trust help if I have a complaint?
Yes. You have the right to appeal to;the independent Information Commissioner if you are unhappy about the way your request and complaint is handled. The Information Commissioner is a UK independent supervisory authority, reporting directly to the UK Parliament who enforces and oversees the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
You can contact the Informatioin Commissioner in various ways.
| Go to: |
www.ico.gov.uk/ |
| Or write to: |
The Information Commissioner,
Wycliffe House,
Water Lane,
Wilmslow,
Cheshire. SK9 5AF; |
| Or telephone: |
01625 - 545745 |
What rights do I have to access information?
In addition to accessing the information identified in this Publication Scheme, you have a general right of access to information held by the Trust that is not included here. Please submit your request in writing or by email and we will try to respond within 20 working days.
Please submit your request in writing to:
Sally Maine
Information Access Coordinator
Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Royal Derby Hospital
Uttoxeter Road
Derby
Derbyshire
DE22 3NE
foi@derbyhospitals.nhs.uk
Is any information exempt?
Yes. Sometimes, some or all of the information requested cannot be provided. If this happens we will explain why.
What change has the Freedom of Information Act made to the previous position?
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 and who to address complaints to, should the need arise.
You have the right to know what services are provided; any targets set (and what's being met); expected standards of services and results achieved.
The Act obliges NHS Trusts to respond to requests about information held and recorded (in any form) - and has created a right of access to that information.
The right to request and access this information are subject to some exemptions. There are 23 exemptions in total. NHS Trusts will have to take these into consideration before deciding what information can (or cannot) be released.
Does this scheme affect my right to patient confidentiality?
No. Although the Publication Scheme will help you to find all the information the Trust publishes, patient confidentiality is NOT affected. Patient confidentiality is controlled through Article 8 of the Human Rights Convention, the Data Protection Act 1998 and common law. The Freedom of Information Act 2000 does not change any of the rights offered through these existing pieces of legislation.
The Trust is committed to maintaining the legal right to patient confidentiality. To help with this, we have appointed someone known as a 'Caldicott Guardian'. They are responsible for ensuring the protection of patient confidentiality throughout the Trust - in accordance with your legal rights. At Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, our Caldicott Guardian is:
Miss Alison Fowlie
Medical Director
Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Royal Derby Hospital
Uttoxeter Road
Derby
DE22 3NE
Why we keep information about you and what do we use it for?
Your doctor and other health professionals caring for you will keep records about your health, treatment and care.These help ensure that you receive the best possible care.
Your records are used by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to assess your healthand make decisions about on going care and treatment, ensure that your care is safe and effective and effectively work with other professionals who are providing your care.Your information may also be used for other reasons, such as to carry out clinical audit.
More information about this can be found in this leaflet
If you have any queries about your information and what it is used for you can contact:
Records and Information Governance
Records Management Services
Level 0
Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Royal Derby Hospital
Uttoxeter Road
Derby DE22 3NE
Telephone: 01332 786577
Can I still ask to see my health records?
Yes. Under the Data Protection Act 1998 www.dataprotection.gov.uk you are also entitled to access your clinical records (or any other personal information held about you by Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust). You must make an official request in writing (e-mail cannot be accepted) You will be required to complete the Trust's application form.
To obtain this, please contact the Trust by email to: sally.maine@nhs.net
or write to:
Sally Maine
Information Access Co-ordinator
Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Royal Derby Hospital
Uttoxeter Road
Derby
DE22 3NE
Telephone: 01332 787139
On the application form you will be asked for as much information as possible - such as your full name and address, date of birth, hospital number or NHS number and details of the treatment that has been provided. This will enable us to process your request quickly and efficiently.
There is a charge for providing access to your health records. You (or anyone acting for you) will be contacted with details of the costs.
