The Freedom of Information Act recognises that as a member of the public you have the right to know how public services such as the NHS are organised and run, how much they cost and how you can make complaints if you need to. You have the right to know which services are being provided, the targets that are being set, the standards of services that are expected and the results achieved.

From 1 January 2005, the Freedom of Information Act allowed anyone to request information held by University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.

The Trust is obliged to respond to requests for information. The rights to request and access this information are subject to some exemptions which the Trust will apply in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act Code of Practice and guidance from the Information Commissioner's Office.

Children’s congenital cardiac services

We have received a number of freedom of information (FOI) enquiries regarding the recommendation in The Safe and Sustainable Review of Children’s Congenital Cardiac Services that the children’s respiratory ECMO service, which is currently provided by University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, should be relocated to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Birmingham Children’s Hospital is not operated by this Trust (University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust), but is operated by Birmingham Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Their FOI email address is foi@bch.nhs.uk.