Freedom Of Information

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act was passed in November 2000 - it has been partially in force since 2003, but was fully implemented on 1 January 2005. It means that public organisations, such as Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS), must provide access to all its written records.

Q. Why do we have the Freedom of Information Act?

A. The Act applies to all public bodies including the NHS.  It means that the public can scrutinise the way in which services are provided and how decisions are made in organisations which are funded by taxpayers.

Q. Does the FOI apply to all information in YAS?

A. There are a few exemptions, but not many. The main exemption is for personal information and this is covered by the Data Protection Act which is explained below.

Q. Data Protection and FOI - how do the two interact?

A. Under the Data Protection Act 1998 individuals already have the right to ask for information about themselves (personal data), which is held on computer and in some paper files. This includes patient and staff records.

Both the Data Protection and the Freedom of Information Acts do not allow anybody the right of access to personal information for anybody else.

Before personal information can be released proof of identity will be required and the records will be checked to ensure that no harmful information is released.  A fee is payable for requests under the Data Protection Act.

Q. How can people get the information they want?

A. Under the Freedom of Information Act, an individual may request any information from YAS as long as the request is in writing and there is an address to respond to. This includes email addresses. The Trust has 20 working days to respond to the request. 

If you have a request, please contact us at:

Freedom of Information (FOI)
Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Headquarters
Springhill
Brindley Way
Wakefield 41 Business Park
Wakefield
WF2 0XQ

Tel: 0845 122 053 1

Email: foi@yas.nhs.uk