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Home > About Newcastle Hospitals > Corporate information > Freedom of Information and environmental information

Freedom of Information and environmental information

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 and provides you with a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by most UK public authorities, including us. It also sets out exemptions and places a number of obligations on those public authorities.

Your rights to information under the Freedom of Information Act came into force on 1 January 2005. Subject to certain exemptions, we are required to: 

  • let you know in writing whether we hold information you’ve requested and provide it if we do
  • respond to you within 20 working days

    The FOIA covers all information held by the trust, from informal memo notes to official documents, including those in draft form.

    Environmental Information Regulations (EIR)

    The Environmental Information Regulations 2004 give you the right to access or request environmental information held by us.

    ‘Environmental information’ covers a wide range of data about the state of the natural and urban environment. For example: 

    • the air, water, soil, flora and fauna
    • noise, radiation, waste and emissions
    • land and energy use

    It also covers information about the policies, plans and programmes created in response to environmental legislation and how they’re being implemented.

    Frequently asked questions about the Freedom of Information Act

    Which organisations are covered by the Freedom of Information Act?

    All public authorities are legally obligated to follow the Freedom of Information Act legislation and Newcastle Hospitals is a public authority.

    Who can make a request?

    Under the Freedom of Information Act, any individual, anywhere in the world, can make a request to a public authority for information. An applicant will be informed in writing whether the information is held and have the information communicated to them, subject to a number of exemptions.

    What information can I request?

    You can make a request to us online or in writing using the information listed on the make a request page.  Requests must fully describe the information you need and your name and address for correspondence.

    Will I always get the information I want?

    Not always. In some circumstances it may be that the information you have requested is exempt from disclosure. If we do refuse you access to information, we will provide you with a refusal notice which clearly states why. We will also explain how you may appeal against our decision.

    Is there a charge made for each request?

    Information is normally free or low-cost, but if we estimate your request will take more than 18 hours (valued at £25 per hour of staff time, totalling £450) to find your information, we can legally refuse your request.

    Can I choose how to receive the information?

    When making a request, you can state how you would like us to share information with you. This could be a hard copy or an email response. If you ask for a hard copy, a small cost may be applied for printing and postage.

    How quickly will I receive a response?

    We will inform you in writing whether or not we hold the information you have requested and, if so, will communicate it to you within 20 working days of receipt of the valid request.

    In some circumstances, a request for information may be refused. If this is the case, you will be issued with a refusal notice stating the exemption providing the basis for refusal. This will be communicated to you within the same 20 working day time period.