Subject Access Requests and Freedom of Information

Access to Records

Subject Access Requests (SAR)

Under the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) patients have the right to access/copies of their personal information. You may request to see medical records by making a Subject Access Request (SAR) to the Surgery. A subject Access Request may only be made by the patient or a person who has their written consent to disclose the information requested. No information will be released without patient consent, and the practice will take steps verify the identity of the applicant, before complying with the request. Requests should be made in writing if possible, but we can accept requests in other formats. Please see our policy and speak with our receptionists in order to make your application.

Please see our Subject Access Request Policy v1 and the GP-Practice-Data-Protection-Policy-v2

There is no charge for Subject Access Requests

Requests can be emailed to :  admin.swaveseysurgery@nhs.net    

Freedom of Information (FOI)

• The practice will comply with the FoI Act and sees it as an opportunity to enhance public trust and confidence in the practice
• The practice will maintain a comprehensive ‘Publication Scheme’ that provides information which is readily accessible without the need for a formal FoI Act request.
• The practice will seek to satisfy all FoI Act requests promptly and within 20 working days. However, if necessary we will extend this timescale to give full consideration to a public interest test. If we do not expect to meet the deadline, we will inform the requester as soon as possible of the reasons for the delay and when we expect to have made a decision
• The practice will continue to protect the personal data entrusted to us, by disclosing it only in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998
• The practice will provide advice and assistance to requesters to facilitate their use of FoI Act. We will publish our procedures and assist requesters to clarify their requests so that they can obtain the information that they require.
• The practice will work with the Integrated Care System (ICS) and other bodies with whom we work to ensure that we can meet our FoI Act obligations, including the disclosure of any information that they hold on our behalf.
• The practice will apply the exemptions provided in the FoI Act and, where qualified exemptions exist, the practice will disclose the information unless the balance of public interest lies in withholding it.
• The practice will consult with third parties before disclosing information that could affect their rights and interests. However, according to the FoI Act, the practice must take the final decision on disclosure
• The practice will charge for information requests in line with the FoI Act fees regulations or other applicable regulations, including the Data Protection Act 1998
• The practice will record all FoI Act requests and our responses and will monitor our performance in handling requests and complaints
• The practice will ensure that all staff are aware of their obligations under FoI Act and will include FoI Act education in the induction of all new staff

Requests can be emailed to :  admin.swaveseysurgery@nhs.net