The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act was passed on 30 November 2000. It gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, including the NHS. This means Hospital Trusts, PCTs and GP Practices must all provide full access to their recorded information by January 2005.

More immediately, Publication Schemes for all NHS organisations must be in place by October 2003. These will inform the public how and when information will be made available. The information can be provided in a variety of formats (e.g. by email, website or hard copy). To make it easier, information contained within a Publication Scheme is divided into classes. These classes provide categories of information (e.g. Human Resources) to help 'navigate' the scheme.

Once implemented the Freedom of Information Act will contribute to breaking down barriers within the NHS and will help organisations learn from each other as well as improving their own performance.

On this website you will find publication schemes for

• Wirral Hospital Trust
• Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology
• Cheshire & Wirral Partnership NHS Trust
• Birkenhead & Wallsey PCT
• Bebington & West Wirral PCT
• GP Practices within the two PCTs serving Wirral

Your local optician, pharmacist & dentist will also have produced a publication scheme. Please contact them directly if you are interested in receiving a copy.