Freedom of Information By your side    Patients & visitors Our services Professionals & partners Covid-19 About us Getting involved Working here Contact us Now viewing: Home > About us > Freedom of Information Freedom of Information The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 gives anyone access to a wide range of information held by public authorities, including the NHS. What is FOI? The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) gives a general right of access to all types of information held by public authorities. It gives the public: The right to be told whether the information exists The right to receive the information The intention of FOI is to encourage a spirit of openness and transparency throughout the Public Sector and Birmingham Women's and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust fully supports this aim. Can information be released about patients or staff? The FOI does not allow people to obtain personal information about patients or our staff and does not give individuals access to their own personal information – this information is protected by the Data Protection Act 1998. To make a subject access request for copies of your medical records please contact the patient admin services team at bwc.accesstohealthrecords@nhs.net or Write to Patient Administration Services Subject Access Request 2nd Floor Heslop House Birmingham Children’s Hospital Steelhouse Lane Birmingham B4 6NH Tel: 0121 333 9714 Or for workforce information email our Workforce Department (Human Resources Department) at bwc.hrqueryinbox@nhs.net Or Write to Human Resources Department Ladywood House Birmingham Children’s Hospital Steelhouse Lane Birmingham B4 6NH Tel: 0121 333 8355 option 3 Can the Trust refuse to provide information under the Act? The Act aims to strike a balance between promoting openness, protecting the privacy rights of individuals and maintaining the right to confidentiality. This balance is achieved through use of the exemptions defined by the Act which require us to withhold information that is of a personal, confidential nature or that which may have a negative effect on the conduct of public affairs. If we decide not to disclose information to you, we will advise you of the reason(s) why we cannot meet your request. How do I make a request and to find out more information? Before submitting a request please refer to this year's Publication Scheme [pdf] 594KB. You might also be interested in reading this year's FOI 4078 Payments to Suppliers[xlsx] 159KB. Email bwc.freedomofinformation@nhs.net or write to: FOI Lead/Publication scheme coordinator 2nd Floor, Heslop House Birmingham Children’s Hospital Steelhouse Lane Birmingham B4 6NH Tel: 0121 333 8954 Please ensure that you provide a contact name and address when making your request and be as specific as possible about the information you require. You do not have to state why you want the information. Before submitting a freedom of information (FOI) request please note : We are a separate organisation to University Hospitals Birmingham and any freedom of information (FOI) requests intended for them should be addressed to: Freedom of Information Co-ordinator Room 22c, First Floor Nuffield House Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Mindelsohn Way Edgbaston Birmingham, B15 2PR Email: foi@uhb.nhs.uk When will I receive a response? In compliance with the Act, we will try to respond to your request within 20 working days from the date we receive your written request. If we are unable to provide the information requested within 20 working days, we will advise why, and provide a date by when we expect to be able to respond. Is there a charge for providing information? The majority of information detailed in our Publication Scheme is available free of charge. Where a fee may apply for providing information in our Publication Scheme, it will be clearly stated in the scheme. The Trust is committed to providing information at minimal cost. If a fee is applicable, the Trust will follow the Fees Regulations and national guidance issued by the Department for Constitutional Affairs and the Information Commissioner’s Office. You will be advised in writing by means of a fee notification if any fee applies before we release any information. The 20 working day timeframe will freeze if a fees notification is sent to you until your payment has been received. If we do not receive your payment within three months from the date of our notification, we will assume that you no longer require the information. Or alternatively, further information can be found at https://ICO.org.uk Back to top of page Print this page Email this page Site map Major building works Leading the way nationally and globally Annual General Meeting News Vision and Values Media Centre Board of Directors Sarah-Jane Marsh - ten years as Chief Executive Our Council of Governors Publications and reports Our rich history Freedom of Information Publication Scheme Terms and conditions Women's charity Children's charity Contact details Birmingham Women's Hospital Mindelsohn Way Birmingham B15 2TG 0121 472 1377 Birmingham Children's Hospital Steelhouse Lane Birmingham B4 6NH 0121 333 9999 Quick links Terms and conditions Give us your feedback Publications and reports Staff links AccessAble Freedom of Information Privacy Policy Join us on social media Support us Birmingham Women's and Children's © 2021 Powered by VerseOne Group Ltd