Freedom of Information requests

How to make a request

Anyone can make a Freedom of Information request. You don’t have to be a patient of the practice.

Before you make one, it’s worth checking the information isn’t already public, including here on the practice website. It may save you the wait.

What to include

Following these three rules gives you the best chance of getting what you asked for:

• Your real name. The practice may turn down a request if it can’t confirm who you are.
• Contact details. Include a postal or email address so the practice can send you the information.
• A clear, precise description of what you want. Vague or very broad requests risk being refused if they’d cost too much to answer.

What you can't ask for

You can’t ask the practice to release your personal data under a Freedom of Information request. For a copy of your medical records, contact the practice and ask to make a Subject Access Request instead.

What the practice must do

A senior member of the practice will review your request. They’ll do one of the following:

• Gather the information and send it to you.
• Contact you to discuss narrowing your request.
• Write to explain why your request has been refused.
• Point you to the organisation that holds the information instead.
• Let you know they need more time because of the nature of the request.

Whatever the decision, the practice will be in touch within 20 working days.

If you're not happy with the decision

Contact the Practice Manager and ask for an internal review first. If you’re still unhappy after that review, you can complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office at ico.org.uk.

Contact us

Send your Freedom of Information request to the practice by post or email:

Kiltearn Medical Centre
Church View Primary Care Centre
Beam Street
Nantwich
Cheshire CW5 5NX

Email: kiltearn.reception@nhs.net