Freedom of Information Act 2000

Publication Scheme

Introduction

This is the Publication Scheme for Frome Medical Practice, as required by the Freedom of Information Act 2000. It sets out the classes of information we make routinely available to the public and how this information can be accessed.

We are committed to transparency and making as much information available as possible on a routine basis.

The ICO Model Publication Scheme

This Publication Scheme is based on the model developed and approved by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for GP practices. It follows seven broad classes of information:

1. Who We Are and What We Do

Includes:

  • Practice name, address, contact details
  • List of doctors and other clinical staff
  • Opening hours
  • Details of practice facilities and services
  • Practice boundaries and area covered

How to access:

Available on our practice website.

 

2. What We Spend and How We Spend It

Includes:

  • Total NHS income received
  • Funding details
  • Expenses and financial audit reports (summary)
  • Pay scales for senior staff (bands, not individual salaries)

How to access:

Available upon written request. Charges may apply for copying.

 

3. What Our Priorities Are and How We Are Doing

Includes:

  • Annual report (if produced)
  • Patient satisfaction survey results
  • Practice performance data (e.g. QOF achievement)
  • CQC inspection reports

How to access:

CQC reports are available via the CQC website and at the practice. Other information available upon request.

 

4. How We Make Decisions

Includes:

  • Records of key decisions made in practice meetings (where appropriate)
  • Policies and procedures for service provision

How to access:

Available upon request. Some exclusions may apply where confidentiality is required.

 

5. Our Policies and Procedures

Includes:

  • Data protection policy
  • Confidentiality policy
  • Health and safety policy
  • Complaints procedure
  • Freedom of Information Policy
  • Equality and diversity policy

How to access:

Core policies are available on the practice website or upon request.

 

6. Lists and Registers

Includes:

  • Registers required by law (e.g., GP register)
  • Information available via NHS England (e.g., registered contractors)

How to access:

Limited data available at the practice; additional information can be accessed via NHS England.

 

7. The Services We Offer

Includes:

  • NHS services provided
  • Clinics and health promotion services
  • Appointment system details
  • Repeat prescriptions
  • Patient rights and responsibilities
  • Charges for non-NHS services (e.g., insurance forms)

How to access:

Available on the practice website and in printed patient leaflets.

Accessing Information

Most of the information listed above is available:

Charges for Information

In general, NHS organisations will provide information in response to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests free of charge, provided the cost of fulfilling the request falls within the statutory cost limit. This limit is currently set at £450, which is equivalent to 18 hours of staff time at a standard rate of £25 per hour. If the cost of fulfilling a request exceeds this limit, the NHS organisation may choose to either refuse the request or charge for the information. 

We may charge for:

  • Photocopying or printing
  • Postage
  • Requests that require significant staff time or exceed the FOI cost threshold

You will be informed in advance of any charges.

Contact Details

Practice Name: Frome Medical Practice

Address:

Frome Medical Practice
Enos Way
Frome
BA11 2FH

Telephone: 01373 301301 

Website

Practice Manager: Karen Creffield