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Freedom of Information

Background

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 aims to ensure that public authorities, such as the Suffolk Primary Care Trust, are open in the way that they conduct their business.

Routinely Published Information

In compliance with the Act, the PCT has developed a Publication Scheme, which details all of the information that the PCT routinely publishes. If you would like a copy of the Scheme please contact 01473 770013.

Access to Other PCTs Information

There may be other information which is not listed in the Publication Scheme that you would like to read. If so, members of the public can make a request for any information held by the PCTs which is not already included in the Publication Scheme. If you would like to make a request, it must be made in writing to the PCTs either by letter or e-mail.

Contact Details

Please send requests by letter to:

    Colin Boakes,
    Trust Secretary
    Suffolk Primary Care Trust,
    Rushbrook House,
    Paper Mill Lane, Bramford,
    Ipswich, Suffolk,
    IP8 4DE

Please send requests by email to: foi@suffolkpct.nhs.uk

What Happens When I Make a Request?

The PCTs have 20 working days to comply with your request. If the PCTs do not have the information, we will let you know within 20 working days of receiving your request. If the Trust does have the information it is available free of charge and it will be provided to you within 20 working days. (Please see Do I have to pay for information?section below).

The Trust will try its best to provide you with the information you have requested in the format you require, for example: paper, electronic, CD-ROM (please note there may be a charge for some formats).

Do I Have to Pay for Information?

As a general rule:

  • Anything listed in the Publication Scheme is available free of charge if providing one copy in paper-format or if it is downloaded from our website or sent electronically.
  • If you require information that comes under the Data Protection Act (such as medical records) there will be a small charge.

What Happens if I Have a Query About the Information I Receive?

If you have a query about the content of the Trust information you receive then please contact Colin Boakes (see contact details).

Is There Any Information that the PCTs Will Not Give me?

The PCTs will make every effort to provide you with a copy of the information requested and may have to ask you a few questions to make sure that we provide you with what you want. There may be some documentation or certain parts of that documentation which we are not allowed to release. Some examples of information we would not be allowed to release under this Act are:

  • Someone else’s medical records.
  • A company’s trade secrets.
  • Information the PCTs received in confidence.
  • Any information held in Court records

How Do I Make a Complaint About the Way My Request Has Been Handled?

If you are unhappy with the way the Trust has handled your request for information, please contact either the Complaints Manager or Chief Executive, at:

    Suffolk Primary Care Trust,
    Rushbrook House,
    Paper Mill Lane, Bramford,
    Ipswich, Suffolk,
    IP8 4DE