Freedom of Information (FOI) requests

What is the Freedom of Information Act?

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 how you can make complaints if you need to. 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.
 
From 1 January 2005, the Freedom of Information Act allowed anyone to request information held by Medway Foundation Trust.
 
The rights to request and access this information are subject to some exemptions which the Trust will deal in accordance with advice from the Information Commissioners Office.

How do I make a request for information?

Before making a request to the Trust, please visit our publication scheme and disclosure log first. If the information you require cannot be found on the website, please make a written request to:
 
Information Governance Team
Medway NHS Foundation Trust
Medway Maritime Hospital
Windmill Road
Gillingham
Kent
ME7 5NY
 
 
Please note: When sending in your request please make sure you include a valid postal or email address, and include a clear description of the information that is required.
 
FOI requests are for general information only, and not for requests about individuals. Requests for information about individuals should be made through subject access requests.

When will my request be answered?

Upon receipt of your request, the Freedom of Information team will send you an acknowledgement of your request. The team will deal with your request as promptly as possible and is under legal obligation to provide a response within 20 working days. If we need to ask you for clarification of your request, the 20 working day period does not start until clarification is received.

How much will it cost to make a request?

Generally information is supplied free of charge. At times the Trust may have to charge for FOI requests, for example for hard copies, postage and packing or copying onto media e.g. CD. If a charge is going to be applied to your request, you will be informed in advance so you will have time to consider if you would like to amend or withdraw your request. Confirmation of the payment due will be given before the information is provided and payment may be requested prior to provision of the information. Legally, if the cost of obtaining and sending you the information is more than £450 (this is based on a national cost of 18 hours work at £25 per hour), we do not have to provide you with the information you requested.

What should I do if I am unhappy with the Trust's response to my request?

If you wish to make a complaint or request a review regarding any of the following:
  • a refusal of a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000
  • dissatisfaction with a response to a request
  • non compliance with the Act
Please write to:

Head of Corporate Governance and Legal
Medway Maritime Hospital
Residence 13
Windmill Road
Gillingham
Kent
ME7 5NY

 
If you are dissatisfied with the result of the re-evaluation, you have the right to refer your complaint to the Information Commissioners Office at the following address:
 
Information Commissioners Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
 
Tel No: 0303 123 1113 (local rate)
Tel No: 01625 547 745 (national rate)
 
Or via their website at: ICO Contact Us