Freedom of Information

Freedom of information

The Freedom of Information Act creates a right of access to recorded information and obliges a public authority to:

  • Have a publication scheme in place
  • Allow public access to information held by public authorities.

The Act covers any recorded organisational information such as reports, policies or strategies, that is held by a public authority in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and by UK-wide public authorities based in Scotland. However, it does not cover personal information such as patient records, which are covered by the Data Protection Act.

Public authorities include government departments, local authorities, the NHS, state schools and police forces.

The Act is enforced by the Information Commissioner who regulates both the Freedom of Information Act and the Data Protection Act.

The surgery publication scheme

A publication scheme requires an authority to make information available to the public as part of its normal business activities. The scheme lists information under seven broad classes, which are:

  • who we are and what we do
  • what we spend and how we spend it
  • what our priorities are and how we are doing it
  • how we make decisions
  • our policies and procedures
  • lists and registers
  • the services we offer

You can request our publication scheme leaflet at the surgery.

Who can request information?

Under the Act, any individual, anywhere in the world, is able to make a request to a practice for information. An applicant is entitled to be informed in writing, by the practice, whether the practice holds information of the description specified in the request and if that is the case, have the information communicated to him/her. An individual can request information, regardless of whether he/she is the subject of the information or affected by its use. 

How should requests be made?

Requests must:

  • be made in writing (this can be electronically e.g. email/fax)
  • state the name of the applicant and an address for correspondence
  • describe the information requested.

What cannot be requested?

Personal data about staff and patients covered under Data Protection Act.

For more information see these websites:

Publication Scheme
Freedom of Information Act 2000
Introduction
This publication scheme outlines the information routinely made available by
Clarendon Surgery & The Angel Medical Practice, in accordance with the Freedom of
Information Act 2000.
We are committed to openness and transparency. This scheme sets out:

  • What information we publish or intend to publish
  •  How the information can be accessed
  •  Whether a charge applies

1. Who We Are and What We Do
We are a GP practice based in Salford, serving patients across Salford South East. Our clinical and support teams include:

 

  • GP Partners & Salaried GPs providing general medical services and patient
    care
  •  Practice Pharmacists handling hospital discharge summaries, medication
    queries and structured medication reviews
  • Practice Nurses (PNs) delivering routine nursing care, immunisations, and
    health checks
  •  First Contact Physiotherapists (FCPs) for musculoskeletal assessments and
    referrals
  •  Reception and Administration teams supporting patient access and smooth
    running of services
  •  Practice Manager (PM) overseeing the supporting the running and operations of the practice
  • Business Manager (BM) overseeing finance, estates, contracts and practice
    development
    Our practice sites operate Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:30pm, from:
    Clarendon Surgery, Pendleton Gateway, 1 The Broadwalk, Salford M6 5FX
    The Angel Medical Practice, The Angel Living Centre, 3 St Philips Place, Salford M3 6FA
    Tel: 0161 983 0190
    Email: clarendon.surgery@nhs.net
    Website: www.clarendonsurgery.co.uk
    Access: Website / Reception / Practice leaflet
    Charge: No

2. What We Spend and How We Spend It
We are funded by the NHS to deliver core and enhanced services to our patient
population. We manage our budget to cover:

  • Staffing and clinical resources
  •  Maintenance and running costs of the practice
  • IT systems and digital services
  • Clinical equipment and consumables
  •  Outsourced services and contracts where required
    Access: On request
    Charge: Possible for printed copies

3. What Our Priorities Are and How We Are Doing
We prioritise delivering safe, high-quality care and continuously improving patient
experience. Current priorities include: Reducing waiting times and improving access to routine appointments

  • Expanding mental health and physiotherapy support within the practice
  • Supporting patients with long-term conditions through regular reviews
  •  Responding to feedback from patient surveys and NHS Friends & Family Test
  • Complying with Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards
    Access: Website / On request
    Charge: No

4. How We Make Decisions
Our leadership team, including GP Partners and senior management, meets regularly to make key operational decisions. These include:

  •  Service development and resource planning
  • Reviewing patient access and appointment systems
  • Staffing, recruitment, and training decisions
  •  Policy updates in line with NHS and regulatory guidance
    Access: On request
    Charge: Possible for printed copies

5. Our Policies and Procedures
We follow written policies to ensure consistent service delivery and compliance. These
include:

  •  Data protection and confidentiality policies to safeguard patient information
  • Complaints policy outlining how we handle concerns
  • Clinical governance and health & safety procedures
  • Equality and diversity policy promoting inclusive care
  • Non-confidential HR policies relating to staff conduct and employment
    Access: Website / On request
    Charge: No

6. Lists and Registers
We maintain internal registers as required by law or good governance. These may
include:

  •  Summary of fixed assets used in patient care
  • Disclosure log of any published Freedom of Information requests
  •  Register of interests, if applicable to key decision-makers
    Access: On request
    Charge: Possible

7. The Services We Offer
We provide a full range of NHS general medical services and enhanced services,
including:

  • Routine GP and nurse appointments
  •  Same-day access for urgent issues
  •  Chronic disease management (e.g. diabetes, asthma, hypertension)
  •  Health checks, vaccinations, and screening
  • Mental health support and counselling
  • Travel health advice
  •  Repeat prescription service
  •  Private medicals and non-NHS reports (fees apply)
    Access: Website / Leaflets / Reception
    Charge: No (charges may apply for non-NHS services)

Accessing Information
Most information is available on our website or from reception. To request anything not
listed, contact:
Nadine Sinclair (Freedom of Information Lead) Practice Manager, Clarendon Surgery,
Pendleton Gateway, 1 The Broadwalk, Salford M6 5FX Manchester, M44 6FE
Tel: 0161 983 0190
Email: clarendon.surgery@nhs.net
We aim to respond within 20 working days.

Charges and Fees
Most information is provided free of charge. However, charges may apply for:

  • Paper copies
  • Postage
  •  Staff time for complex or large-volume requests
    We will inform you of any fees in advance.

Feedback and Complaints
If you have feedback about this scheme or our information provision, please contact the
Practice Manager.
You may also contact the Information Commissioner’s Office at www.ico.org.uk.