Freedom of Information requests

Please note

Update as of Friday 26 May 2023

Due to an unprecedented situation we are currently working through a very significant backlog of requests.

This means if you submit a request you may not receive a response in the permitted timeframe.

In our last update (5 April 2023) we promised to provide updates when possible about our work to reduce this backlog.

Our new members of staff are firmly embedded in the teams and we are continuing to work through the backlog of requests, prioritising them in date order from the earliest ones first.

Our team has begun contacting requestors in the backlog in date order to establish if they still want the records requested.

We will continue to update this page with our progress.

Update as of Wednesday 5 April 2023

Due to an unprecedented situation we are currently working through a very significant backlog of requests. This means if you submit a request you may not receive a response in the permitted timeframe.

In our last update (24 February, 2023) we promised to provide updates when possible about our work to reduce this backlog.

Since February we have been working hard to reduce the remaining backlog.

Work already undertaken to improve our service has included:

We have added new members of staff to the team
We have been talking to the body which oversees the operation of data protection legislation, the Information Commissioners Office – ICO, to make them aware of the situation and to seek additional expert advice and assistance.
We have been reviewing requests in the backlog in order to prioritise those with the most significant potential impact on the requestor where we can identify this.

If you have an access to records request please email freedom.Ofinformation@shsc.nhs.uk.

We will continue to provide updates about the ongoing work being carried out.

Update as of Friday 24 February 2023

Due to an unprecedented situation we are currently working through a very significant backlog of requests. This means if you submit a request it is unlikely you will receive a response in the permitted timeframe.

We apologise in advance for this likely delay and recognise that the situation isn’t good enough – we are working extremely hard to put this right and respond to requests as quickly as possible. If you are not satisfied with this please see details below about the complaints and appeals process.

You may also find the information you are looking for under our publication scheme (see below)

We will continue to update this section with our progress in removing the backlog.

What is the Freedom of Information Act?

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 is a law passed by the Government that gives you the right to request information from public services.

The aim of the Act is to promote trust and confidence in public services, including the NHS, by providing clear information and being open about what we do.

How to make a Freedom of Information request

You can make a request in writing, either by post to:

Freedom of Information,

Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust,

45 Wardsend Road,

Sheffield, S6 1LX

Or an email to shsc@infreemation.co.uk.

Alternatively you can use our FOI microsite (click here - please note this is an external site).

The request must include your full name and address so that we can contact you.

You do not need to tell us why you want the information, however, you must give us enough detail about the information you require to allow us to correctly identify and find it.

Freedom of Information publication scheme

We make as much information as we can readily available to members of the public wanting to know more about the work we do.

You can take a look at our Freedom of Information publication scheme here.

Can I get access to information about myself or other service users?

The Freedom of Information Act does not change the legal right of service users to protection of their patient confidentiality. Maintaining this right of confidentiality is an important commitment for all NHS organisations.

You may obtain access to your own health records under the Data Protection Act 2018 by visiting our Access to Records page.

Will I be able to get access to all of the Trust's information?

The right to obtain information may be limited by some exemptions which are listed within the Act. The effect of the exemptions is that we may not be able to supply all or part of the information requested.

If possible we will supply the information requested with the exempt information removed.

Complaints and appeals

Any complaints about our handling of your request should be sent by letter to:

Head of Corporate Affairs, Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust, Centre Court, Atlas Way, Sheffield, S4 7QQ

You can also contact the Information Commissioners Office by visiting www.ico.org.uk