Freedom of Information

Freedom of Information and the Environmental Information Regulations

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 entitles a person to request information recorded by us (subject to any exemptions).

The Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 give you a similar entitlement if your request is for environmental information.

For further details on the freedom of information legislation, including information about your rights, visit the Scottish Information Commissioner’s website: https://www.foi.scot/your-rights       

Publication scheme

Section 23 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 requires us to adopt and maintain a publication scheme which lists the type of information we regularly publish. Prior to submitting your request, you may find the information you are looking for within this publication scheme;  or you can contact the Freedom of Information Officer (details below) to ask for a paper copy or if you need the information in an alternative format.

The Model Publication Scheme (MPS) has been adopted by all NHS Boards in Scotland and approved by the Scottish Information Commissioner. The Scheme sets out the different classes of information available and the guide to information provides more detail and links to the information: https://www.nhsfife.org/about-us/guide-to-information-available-through-the-model-publication-scheme/

Make a request

You can make a request for information which is not available through the publication scheme by contacting:

• Email: fife.foirequestfife@nhs.scot
• Post: Freedom of Information Officer, NHS Fife, Lynebank Hospital, Halbeath Road, Dunfermline, KY11 4UW

Tips for requesters

See the Scottish Information Commissioner’s tips on requesting information: https://www.foi.scot/how-do-i-ask  

• Please provide your full name and contact details (postal or email address)
• Please clearly describe the information that you are looking for.

Please note: FOI and EIR only gives you a right to the information that is recorded by the authority.

How we will respond to requests

We are required to reply promptly, no later than the twentieth working day. We will acknowledge receipt of FOI and EIR requests made to the above address or email address. We will disclose information wherever possible - however, in some circumstances, it may be necessary to withhold some or all of the information requested under one of the exemptions outlined in the Act. In any case where information is refused, we will specify which exemption has been used and why - we will also outline details of the appeals process if you’re unhappy with our response.

Legislation

• Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 – https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2002/13/contents
• Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 – https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2004/3391/contents