Castletown Medical Centre is committed to openness and transparency in how we operate. The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives members of the public the right to request information held by public authorities, including GP practices, in relation to how the practice is run administratively.
Please note: the Freedom of Information Act covers administrative and organisational information - for example, our policies, contracts, and how the practice is managed. It does not cover your own medical records or personal health information. If you would like access to your own medical records, please see our Subject Access Requests page instead, as these requests are handled under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
What information is available?
A wide range of information about the practice is published on our website already, including our policies, opening hours, and details of the services we offer. If the information you're looking for isn't already published, you can make a written request and we will consider it under the Act.
How to make a request
Freedom of Information requests must be made in writing (this includes email) and should include:
Requests can be sent to:
The Practice Manager, Castletown Medical Centre, 6 The Broadway, Castletown, Sunderland, SR5 3EX
Email: nencicb-sun.castletown@nhs.net
Response times
We aim to respond to all requests within 20 working days, as required by the Act. If we hold the information and there's no reason to withhold it, we will provide it or tell you how to access it. In some cases, information may be exempt from disclosure - if this applies, we will explain why.
Is there a charge?
Most requests are provided free of charge. In some circumstances a fee may apply, in which case we will inform you before proceeding.
If you're unhappy with our response
If you are not satisfied with how your request has been handled, you can ask us to review the decision by contacting the Practice Manager in the first instance. If you remain unhappy, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):
Information Commissioner's Office Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF www.ico.org.uk Telephone: 0303 123 1113
