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, with full access granted in January 2005. The Act sets out exemptions to that right and places certain obligations on public authorities.

FOI replaced the Open Government Code of Practice, which has been in operation since 1994.

Full access rights came into force in January 2005.

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.

Publication Schemes are guides to what information the NHS will routinely publish or intends to publish

NHS Freedom of Information Website

Open Government Code of Practice dh.gov.uk

Any questions, comments or complaints about this Scheme should be sent in writing to: Jackie Stephen, Head of Learning and Corporate Affairs at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust, Brockley Hill, Stanmore, HA7 4LP or email: foi@rnoh.nhs.uk

If you have a complaint about the operation of the Publication Scheme, or how the RNOH Trust has dealt with your request for information from the Scheme, see: www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk