Freedom of information (FoI)
The Freedom of Information Act (FoI) came into force on 1 January 2005 and allows members of the public to request information held by a public organisation, including Buckinghamshire PCT.
It covers organisational information such as reports, policies or strategies, however it does not cover personal information such as patient records which are covered by the Data Protection Act.
The Act is enforced by the Information Commissioner who regulates both the Freedom of Information Act and the Data Protection Act.
Link: FoI Disclosure Log 2011/12
Link: FoI Disclosure Log 2010/11
Link: FoI Disclosure Log 2009/10
Publication Scheme
Under the FOI we have produced a Publication Scheme which sets out the information which we have made available to the public. We intend to make as much information available as possible through the Scheme. You can download the Publication Scheme below.
Link: Bucks Publication Scheme
Making a request
Freedom of Information Enquiries
To make a request under Freedom of Information please contact foi@oxfordshirepct.nhs.uk or
Telephone: 01865 334650
It helps us if your request as specific as possible. If the request is too broad, we will have to contact you to clarify what you are looking for.
If you prefer the information in either paper format or electronically, please let us know.
Patient confidentiality
FoI does not change the need for patient confidentiality. Personal information that we hold remains covered by the Data Protection Act and is exempt from disclosure under FoI.
Your rights
You have a right to be told whether the information you have requested exists and a right to receive this information.
We can refuse to disclosure information to you if one of the 23 tightly banded exemptions applies. If this is the case, we will advise you which of these exemptions covers the information you have requested and why.
You have a right to appeal against the exemption and make a complaint.
We may charge for the cost of identifying and locating the information and for both copying and postage. We will notify you in advance of any charges. Information that is included in the publication scheme is free of charge.
We have a duty under the Act to respond to your request within 20 working days.
Help with making a request
Our PALS team are able to assist you if you need help in making a request. They can also offer advise to patients, carers and families. They can be contact at:
PALS
Buckinghamshire PCT
3rd Floor
Rapid House
40 Oxford Road
High Wycombe
Bucks
HP11 2EE
Email: patientexperience.service@buckinghamshire.nhs.uk
Call: 0800 328 5640
Fax: 01494 522046
Text: 07876 231045
The Information Commissioner
If you are unhappy with how your request for information has been dealt with, you may contact:
Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Downloads
BPCT Procurement Policy May08
BPCT Procurement Strategy May08
BPCT Contracts Dec08
BPCT SFIs Jan08
BPCT Tenders Dec08
BPCT Procedures Jul08
Bucks PCT Draft Estates Strategy
Annual Accounts 2009-10 Introduction Annual Accounts 2009-10
