How to make a request

To ensure we provide you with the right information as quickly as possible, and to assist you in making your request, please consider the following:

Is the information you require personal information about you or an individual for whom you are a carer, parent or guardian? If yes, this can be requested under the Data Protection Act by completing a subject access request; forms can be obtained by contacting:

Access to Health Records Department

Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust

Eaton Road

Liverpool

L12 2AP

Tel: 0151 293 3647

Check to see if the information is already available on this website or through the Trust’s Publication Scheme. Details of routinely published information are available on the Guide to Information page. If you require information on hard copy, or in another format, contact the Information Governance Co-ordinator (see below).

Requests must be in writing eg a letter or email, and must contain your name and address for correspondence and future reference. You may use the Information Request Form available.

Try to include as much information as you can to help the Trust identify the information you require. Send completed requests to the Information Governance Co-ordinator (see below).

What will happen when I’ve made my request?

• We will acknowledge receipt of your request within two working days.
• We will endeavour to provide the information you have requested within 20 working days of receipt of your request.
• We will notify you as soon as possible if we find we are unable to provide the information within 20 working days.
• We may ask you to provide us with more information to help us locate the information you have requested.
• We will notify you if all or part of the information you have requested cannot be provided. If this happens we will explain to you why this information has been withheld and notify you of the advice and guidance to applicants’ process.

Will there be any charges?

The Trust will generally not charge for information it has chosen to publish through its Publication Scheme. You may be asked to pay a small amount for hard copies, multiple copies or copying onto media, such as a CD-ROM.

Exclusions

On some occasions, we will not be able to disclose information because it is covered by an exemption under the Act. If this happens, we will explain the reason why and provide you with advice and guidance; for example, we may ask you to restructure your request for similar information that is available.

In line with section 12 of the Act, if the Trust thinks it will cost more than £450 to find information and prepare it for release, then we are able to turn down a request. If this is the case, you will be informed and we will provide you with advice and guidance; for example, we may ask you to reduce the amount of information you are requesting.

Complaints and right of appeal

If you are unhappy with the outcome of your request or with the way the Trust has handled your request, you can seek to resolve this through the complaints or appeals process. Any complaints or requests for appeals should be directed in the first instance to the Information Governance Co-ordinator:

Paula Fagan

Information Governance Co-ordinator

Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust

Eaton Road

Liverpool

L12 2AP

Tel: 0151 293 3590

All complaints will be dealt with in accordance with the local resolution stage of the Trust’s Complaints Policy & Procedure. If you are unhappy with the outcome of your complaint or appeal, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner at the following address:

The Information Commissioner

Wycliffe House

Water Lane

Wilmslow