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 review the Scheme at regular intervals and monitor how it is operating.
It is important to us that the 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
- 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 to protection of their confidentiality in accordance with Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the General Data Protection Regulations 2016, Data Protection Act 2018 and 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, who is responsible for ensuring patient confidentiality throughout the Trust, in accordance with 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 work for the Police, please see our guidance document for requesting personal information in relation to an investigation.
If you are from a 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 use our contact us page.
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.
Copies of all Data Sharing Protocols / Agreements that we have entered into with other partner organisations ensure all parties involved are aware of their rights and responsibilities within the framework of the protocol can be found on in our publications onedrive section.
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.
Copies of all DPIAs we have completed to ensure all parties involved are aware of their rights and responsibilities within the framework of the procedure can be found in our publications onedrive.