What is a publication scheme?
The Publication Scheme is a complete guide to the information routinely published by West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust (WMAS). It is a description of the information about our Trust, which we make publicly available. We shall review the Scheme at regular intervals and monitor how it is operating.
It is important to us that this Scheme meets your needs and we have designed it to be a route map so that you can easily find information about WMAS.
Under Section 19 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, WMAS has a legal duty to adopt and maintain a Publication Scheme. The purpose of the Act is to promote greater openness by public authorities – of which WMAS is one.
The Sections Of Information That We Hold
Further information available will be added to the Sections below once approved by the Board of Directors. The information is grouped into 7 Sections which are as follows:
- Who we are and what we do
- What we spend and how we spend it
- What our priorities are and how we are doing
- How we make decisions
- Our policies and procedures
- Lists and registers
- The services we offer
Access to Personal Information
The Freedom of Information Act does not change the right of patients for protection of their patient confidentiality in accordance with Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the General Data Protection Regulations 2016, Data Protection Act 2018 and at common law.
Maintaining the legal right to patient confidentiality continues to be an important commitment on our part. To help with this, WMAS has a Caldicott Guardian who is also our Medical Director (link to Exec Directors page https://wmas.nhs.uk/about-wmas/organisation/the-board/executive-directors/) who is responsible for ensuring that patient confidentiality throughout the Trust in accordance with your legal rights.
Under the General Data Protection Regulation 2016 and Data Protection Act 2018 you are also entitled to access your clinical records or any other personal information held about you. For more information, see our Subject Access Requests Guidance.
If you are the Police, see our guidance document for requesting personal information in relation to an investigation.
If you are Solicitors, see our guidance document for requesting access to personal information on behalf of your client.
If you require advice and guidance on any of these, please contact the Head of Governance and Risk as per their contact details below.
Data and Information Sharing
Data Sharing Protocols are an agreement between public, private and voluntary sectors to facilitate sharing of information to ensure that members of the public receive the services they need. All organisations involved have a legal responsibility to ensure that the use of this personal information is lawful, properly controlled and an individual’s rights are respected.
Below are copies of all Data Sharing Protocols / Agreements West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust have entered with other partner organisations to ensure all parties involved are aware of their rights and responsibilities within the framework of the protocol.
Data Protection Impact Assessments
Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) are an integral part of taking a Data Protection by Design and Default. DPIA can reduce the risks of harm to our patients and staff through the misuse of their personal data. It also helps to design more efficient and effective processes for handling personal data.
Below are copies of all DPIAs West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust have completed to ensure all parties involved are aware of their rights and responsibilities within the framework of the procedure.
Data Protection Impact Assessments
Contact Details
For more information about this area, please contact:
Freedom of Information & Document Control Officer
or the
Head of Governance
West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust
Millennium Point
Waterfront Business Park
Waterfront Way
Brierley Hill
Dudley
DY5 1LX
Telephone: 01384 215555
For FOI requests email: FOI@wmas.nhs.uk
For Data Protection enquiries email: Data.Protection@wmas.nhs.uk