***IMPORTANT INFORMATION***

During the current Coronavirus pandemic, staff resources within the NHS are focussed toward direct patient care. This means that staff who would normally deal with requests under FOISA may have been re-directed to other duties. In addition, staff who may normally be asked to provide information to respond to FOI requests may be working remotely, and may not be able to access the systems and information that they would routinely have access to. 

Currently, the Scottish Information Commissioner (SIC) has confirmed that Scottish public authorities still have a legal obligation to respond to requests under the Act within the statutory legal timescales.  However we would ask you to remember that the NHS is at the heart of the response to the Coronavirus pandemic.  We will continue to process requests under FOISA, however please be advised that our ability to deal with, and respond to, non-urgent and non-clinical issues such as requests under FOISA, may be significantly reduced.  We therefore ask you to please consider whether your FOI request is absolutely necessary at this time.  

A recent statement issued by the SIC can be found at the link below: 

http://www.itspublicknowledge.info/home/News/20200320b.aspx

A significant amount of information and data on NHS Scotland activity are already publicly available through a number of sources, and we would ask you to investigate these first before you submit a formal request under FOISA. 

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde website
https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/
A significant amount of information in relation to the activities of NHSGGC is already published on the NHSGGC website.  This includes papers and minutes presented to the NHS Board and committees, annual accounts, financial reports, policies, and other corporate information.   

NHS Scotland Information Services Division (ISD)

https://www.isdscotland.org/

The Information Services Division (ISD) is a division of National Services Scotland, part of NHS Scotland. ISD provides health information, health intelligence, statistical services and advice that support the NHS in progressing quality improvement in health and care and facilitates robust planning and decision making.  Information published by ISD covers all geographical NHS Boards and encompasses a wide range of topics such as hospital activity, waiting times, cancer, emergency care, health conditions, prescribing and medicines, and quality indicators.  The information is regularly updated.  

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 requires us to make information available to the public.  The legislation is usually referred to as 'FOISA' or 'FOI'. 

PLEASE NOTE - you should not request personal information about yourself under FOI.   If you wish to access your medical records you should do this as a subject access request under Data Protection legislation.   

We also have our own complaints procedure. Please use this if you are dissatisfied with our response to a request you make to us for information.