Freedom of Information website launched

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust has today launched a Freedom of Information (FOI) website section that makes its policies, procedures, and financial accounts more easily accessible to the general public.

The Trust’s Freedom of Information Publication Scheme is a requirement of the Freedom of Information Act (2000) and all NHS trusts have to publish their scheme as of today, 31st October 2003.

The FOI website section provides a guide to the information publicly available and routinely published by the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust and also links with organisations involved in monitoring or auditing NHS trusts.

The Freedom of Information Act balances the public’s right to know with the right to privacy. Patient confidentiality remains a very high priority for the NHS, in accordance with Article 8 of the Human Rights Act, the Data Protection Act, and common law.

The next stage of Freedom of Information changes will come on January 1 2005 when all organisations, both public and private, will have to respond to FOI requests for information from members of the public within 20 working days.

Chief executive Stephen Day said: “Access to information is understandably important to the public and we are pleased to announce our new Freedom of Information website section is now available.”