Freedom of information (FoI)
King’s aims to produce and share with our users high-quality information that helps them to understand and access our services.
Our information is often available in a printed format (sometimes by request only) and increasingly we are making more information available on our website.
When possible, our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is also available to help people access the information they need, even when they do not have access to a phone or the internet.
What is the Freedom of Information Act?
From 1 January 2005 the Freedom of Information Act allows anyone to ask for information held by a public authority, such as King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The Trust will deal with requests in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act Code of Practice and guidance from the Information Commissioner's Office.
Requesting information
They method you use to make a request depends on the type of information you require.
Media enquiries
Press enquiries, other than FOI requests, should be made through the Communications Team.
I want to see my patient records
This type of information is covered by the Data Protection Act and not the Freedom of Information Act so the procedure is different.
- To request access to your medical records and other clinical information, complete the Access to Health Records form and return it to the Trust.
- For more details of the procedure, please read the Guidance notes for Access to Records.
- If you have any queries, contact the Patient Records Service on 020 3299 3559.
I want to request information that is not on King’s website
If the information you want is not available through our publication scheme or if you are unable to find it elsewhere on our website, you can send a request to our Freedom of Information team.
You are entitled to ask whether we hold information on a specific area and then request copies of the information itself. Requests for information must be made in writing and include your name and an address to which correspondence can be sent. Requests should include a clear and specific description of the information you are seeking.
How to send in your request for information
You can submit your request via our online Freedom of Information request form.
Or you can post your request to:
Freedom of Information Lead
Operations Directorate
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Denmark Hill
London SE5 9RS
Responding to requests
Once we have received your request we aim to respond within 20 working days or sooner. If we exceed this time limit we will explain the reasons for the delay and give you an estimate of how long it will take to meet your request.
How we process an FoI request
| Stage | Time taken |
|---|---|
| Request for information submitted | |
| FoI team sends aknowledgment of request and starts the process | 1-5 working days |
| Relevant departments locate information | 10 working days |
| Response to request is finalised. | 4-6 working days |
| Response sent to applicant. | Total: up to 20 working days |
Charges and fees for information
We are entitled to charge for copying the documents you have requested. In the majority of cases we waive these charges. If we are considering charging you, we will contact you to find out whether you still wish to continue with the request.
Appeal process
If you are dissatisfied with the Trust’s response, you may appeal to us in the first instance. Our appeals procedure has been prepared in accordance with a Code of Practice issued by the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs.