The steep increase in the number and complexity of FOI requests means a significant workload for staff and can lead to confusion about what is the best process of handling requests.
The briefing, Freedom of information in the NHS, is a practical guide to help NHS organisations fulfil the spirit of the legislation in the most timely and efficient way. It includes a checklist which aims to provide guidance to trusts on what the best procedures are and where they are entitled to turn down requests.
Maura Thompson, NHS Confederation director of communications, said the issue of transparency and accountability was an important one for all NHS staff.
“NHS organisations should be aware that the Freedom of Information Act applies to everyone in that organisation”, she explained. “Many currently have a good system in place to effectively deal with requests and our aim is to encourage them to build upon that good work. By making more information publicly available, organisations can save themselves time, money and energy."
Download the briefing.