What is the Freedom of Information Act 2000?
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 provides clear statutory rights for those requesting information which is held by NHS Somerset subject to certain conditions as detailed in the Act. It is intended to promote a culture of openness and accountability amongst public sector bodies, and therefore to facilitate better public understanding of how public authorities carry out their duties, why they make the decisions they do, and how they spend public money.
Guide to Information
In accordance with section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 NHS Somerset has produced a Guide to Information which enables you to access information routinely published by NHS Somerset.
Please refer to the Guide to Information before submitting a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 as the information you require may already be available in the public domain.
How to make a request for information
Any person may request information in writing, stating their name, an address for correspondence (this can be an email or postal address), a description of the information required, and how this information is to be supplied.
If you wish to make a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, please contact the Freedom of Information Team via email at:
freedomofinformation@somerset.nhs.uk
Alternatively, please write to us at:
Freedom of Information Team
NHS Somerset
Somerset Primary Care Trust
Wynford House
Lufton Way
Lufton
Yeovil
Somerset
BA22 8HR
Before making a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 you may wish to view the list of previously asked questions and answers held in our Disclosure Log or NHS Somerset's Guide to Information which may satisfy your request.
You have the right:
- to be informed in writing whether NHS Somerset holds the requested information
- if NHS Somerset holds the information to have that information communicated to you within 20 working days
What do I do if I am unhappy with the response?
If you are dissatisfied with the way your request for information was handled, you are encouraged in the first instance to contact the Primary Care Trust to resolve any issues internally and/or request a formal review of the decision.
Under section 50 of the Act, you have the right to approach the Information Commissioner to formally appeal the Trust’s decision and/or to appeal the handling of an information request. The Information Commissioner’s Office can be contacted at: Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF.
Disclosure Log
NHS Somerset publishes its responses to questions under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998). Read more ...
Charges for Information
How information will be made available to you
More Information
Re-Use of Information Regulations 2005
NHS Somerset allows all information provided to be re-used free of charge in its original context. This may only be done by non-commercial organisations/individuals using the information without profit. If you are a commercial, for profit organisation, or would like to re-use the information provided in a context other than which it was given, you must apply for a Re-Use of Information licence using the contact details above.
Please note, NHS Somerset does not charge for any licences issued.
