The Freedom of Information Act gives a general right of access to information held on record by public authorities; Health Authorities and NHS Trusts are included.
Members of the public can ask for any information held by a public authority, although there are limits on the information the public authorities must provide.
In addition to the limitations some information is regarded as ‘exempt’ and will not be given.

Information which is exempt from being provided includes details held for a variety of purposes including national security, law enforcement, commercial interests and personal data. Personal data held in a structured form i.e. Personnel File, Health Records cannot be accessed through the Freedom of Information Act 2000. This type of request must be raised as a Subject Access Request through the Data Protection Act 1998.
However, the FOI act has extended the individuals right of access to personal information related to themselves held by a public organisation in an unstructured form i.e. memo, email, noted telephone conversations relating to the individual requesting the information. However, third party information must be removed to protect third party confidentiality.

How to make a FOI request
The request must be in a permanent form i.e. letter or email. You must provide a valid postal address or email address so that the Trust knows where to send the information. Please clearly state the information you require otherwise the Trust may ask that you refine your request within reason. Please note vexatious requests are exempt and the Trust will not provide information if we consider the FOI request to be vexatious. You may provide an alias name if you wish to remain anonymous.

You may have to pay a fee, depending on the information that you have requested. You will be advised of the fee before the information is sent.

For Wolverhampton City PCT please send FOI requests to:

Freedom of Information Administrator
Wolverhampton City PCT,
Coniston House
Chapel Ash
Wolverhampton
WV3 0XE

Email: FOI@wolvespct.nhs.uk