Freedom of Information (FOI) and medical record requests
On this page you will find information about freedom of information requests and medical records.
- Freedom of Information requestsBack up
The Freedom of Information Act (FOI) 2000 provides a right of access to a wide range of information held by public authorities, including the NHS. The purpose is to promote greater openness and accountability.
Before submitting an FOI request, you can check to see if the FOI has been asked before as part of the Trust's Publication Scheme. FOI requests from the last three years are detailed in the document library at the bottom of this page. The responses to these requests reflect when they were asked and depending on the topic might now have changed.
- Data Protection Impact AssessmentsBack up
The Trust is required under the Data Protection Act 2018 to ensure that Privacy by Design is considered where there is a change in the purpose of use of identifiable data, or the introduction of a new system that affects personal data.
The Trust maintains a register of Data Protection Impact Assessments and from January 2019 has committed to publish a summary of each Impact Assessment completed in the sections below.
- AccurxBack up
Use of Video Consultation Software used as a COVID contingency measure, to enable continued communication with patients.
- Adobe SignBack up
A Trust initiative to reduce paper use by implementing Adobe Sign, a cloud-based e-signature solution improving efficiency, mobility, and compliance.
- AMAT - Audit ManagementBack up
Digital audit and QI system replacing paper-based processes.
- AmbisoftBack up
Digital audit management and reporting tool.
- Audacity Audio EditorBack up
Audio editing tool for secure creation and processing of recorded materials.
- BrainWorxBack up
Cloud-based mental health assessment platform supporting ADHD and related evaluations.
- Caption.Ed softwareBack up
An assistive tool providing real-time captions and transcriptions to improve accessibility for individuals with hearing impairments or learning difficulties.
- ChatHealthBack up
A secure messaging platform developed by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) for confidential clinical advice, hosted on AWS by LPT's Health Informatics Service (LHIS), with data processing involving LPT, LHIS, and SMS partner Vonage.
- Concentric e-Consent PlatformBack up
A digital e-Consent tool replacing paper consent forms, allowing patients to receive personalized information and provide consent remotely.
- Dexcom CLARITYBack up
Diabetes Management Software has been approved for use and is a tool that can be used by patients and staff to monitor Glucose.
- DRS OCTBack up
A project integrating Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) into the community-based Diabetic Eye Screening Programme by April 2025, enhancing early detection and management of diabetic retinopathy.
- EVALU8Back up
A web-based platform enhancing scheduling, communication, and performance management within the Trust by centralising workflow and resource data.
- Experience of Service Questionnaire ESQBack up
A feedback tool collecting service user satisfaction data from young people, parents/carers, and professional stakeholders in mental health services.
- Faster Data Flow programmeBack up
A programme collecting daily patient data from acute care providers via Foundry, a Palantir product. It streamlines data flows, reduces reporting burdens, and enhances decision-making by automating local data collection.
- Flow Neuroscience tDCSBack up
A treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), combining transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) via a Bluetooth headset with an app-based behavioural activation programme to help reduce symptoms.
- GLOOKOBack up
Cloud diabetes data platform enabling upload and review of device data by patients and clinicians.
- HealiosBack up
An assessment of working arrangements with Healios for CAMHS.
- HeartfeltBack up
A Data Protection Impact Assessment was completed for a clinical trial monitoring the use of technology to monitor a specific cohort of consenting service users. The assessment concluded that the clinical trial could proceed.
- iDiscover projectBack up
A project integrating the iDiscover enrolment process into a single platform on the NHFT website to improve accessibility, participation, and efficiency.
- Invision 360 Quality Health AdviceBack up
A quality assurance platform improving data collection, analysis, and reporting within healthcare, supporting compliance, efficiency, and patient outcomes.
- KalturaBack up
Is externally owned software which allows students to send files relating to their course work. This was approved for use providing patient consent has been obtained.
- LibGuidesBack up
Cloud platform for curated knowledge collections and digital resource guides.
- Little JourneyBack up
Child-focused digital preparation and support platform for healthcare procedures.
- MediLogic MethasoftBack up
Digital opioid dispensing and monitoring system supporting controlled drug workflows.
- Motor Neurone Disease MND register England, Wales Northern IrelandBack up
A national data collection project tracking MND prevalence, mapping patient locations, and analysing disease trends to improve care and identify vulnerable groups.
- MSK digital screening toolBack up
An online symptom checker that helps users identify potential causes of pain and suggests where to seek help. It is a guidance tool only; users should consult their GP or NHS 111 for medical advice.
- MY DESMONDBack up
Digital self-management platform for people with type 2 diabetes.
- NerveCentreBack up
Electronic observations and workflow system supporting real-time patient assessment and escalation.
- Newton EuropeBack up
Countywide agreement for the analysis of data by Newton Europe for the purpose of Covid-19 demand and capacity planning.
- OptoMizeBack up
An ophthalmology management system improving diabetic eye screening workflows, compliance, and data accuracy through integration with HES and GP2DRS.
- Parkinsons KinetiGraph PKGBack up
A wrist-worn device collecting continuous data on Parkinson's symptoms, medication adherence, and sleep patterns, supporting treatment optimization and remote monitoring.
- PharmOutcomesBack up
An online platform supporting healthcare services like the Discharge Medicines Service (DMS), ensuring proper medication support post-hospital discharge to reduce errors and readmissions.
- PM3 BestOutcomeBack up
A Project Portfolio Management tool used for planning was approved for use via Data Protection Impact Assessment
- Project YESBack up
A programme offering free, anonymous, self-guided mental health tools for teens. It includes three evidence-based interventions addressing compassion, behaviour activation, and growth mindset, with research supporting its effectiveness in reducing depression symptoms.
- ReSPECT programmeBack up
A system embedding the ReSPECT process across Northamptonshire to create emergency care plans for patients who may be unable to make decisions.
- RXInfoDefineBack up
A national tool to manage usage of medication by quantity and cost was assessed under the DPIA requirements. The assessment concluded that there were no risks to use of the tool.
- SECA ECGBack up
A diagnostic software that records, analyses, and stores ECG data, integrating with SECA devices for accurate heart monitoring, secure data transfer, and automated analysis.
- SenseMedical Canon RX SoftwareBack up
Ophthalmic imaging system capturing OCT and retinal scans for clinical assessment.
- SuperPenguinBack up
Digital therapeutic tool for SLT services with carer-facing app and clinician dashboard.
- Text messaging on SystmOne using Mobile Marketing Group MMGBack up
A text messaging service within SystmOne used for patient appointment reminders.
- TraceLinkBack up
A Data Protection Impact Assessment was undertaken to assess a tool to meet the national Falsified Medicines Directive.
- Tracker TilesBack up
Tracking tool using Bluetooth-enabled Tiles to reduce loss of Trust portable assets.
- VALDBack up
A musculoskeletal assessment technology trial in the Trust, using ForceDecks, ForceFrame, and DynaMo to measure strength and physical performance for monitoring and management.
- VitaSoftBack up
Digital case management and workflow platform supporting secure documentation and activity oversight.
- Voice of the ChildBack up
A Family Hubs Partnership initiative gathering insights from children and young people across North Northamptonshire on their experiences with local support services. The feedback informs service improvement, strategic planning, and ongoing engagement.
- Your COVID RecoveryBack up
The assessment covered providing administrative access to the Your COVID Recovery app. This app will be used by patients at home but with support of NHFT staff.
- ZoomTextBack up
Accessibility software supporting staff with low vision to handle sensitive information accurately.
- Making a Freedom of Information requestBack up
All enquiries regarding access to information that is not available through the Trust's Publication Scheme should be made either in writing to:
Freedom of Information
Northamptonshire Healthcare
1st Floor Haylock House
Kettering Parkway
Kettering
NN15 6EYOr by email to: foi@nhft.nhs.uk
If you are making a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act or the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, please feel free to contact us either by post or by email. Remember to include a valid address (email or postal) and a contact number to help us process your request.
- FOI and copyrightBack up
Please note that information provided by us under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 is copyrighted to Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and is for your personal use only.
If you wish to use this information for commercial purposes then, in accordance with the Regulations on the Re-use of Public Sector Information 2005, you must first ask our permission. Such re-use may or may not involve the granting of a licence and the application of a fee.
- Medical records
- Accessing personal informationBack up
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) also allows you to find out what information about you is held on computer and in certain manual records. This is known as 'right of subject access'.
NHS website has general information on:
- How you can access your own medical records
- Learn if you can access other people's medical records
- Learn if others can access your medical records.
For medical record requests:
The Information Governance Team
Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Information Governance Team Office
1st Floor
RCI Building
Kettering Venture Park
Kettering
NN15 6EYTelephone 0300 0111133
Email: access2healthrecords@nhft.nhs.uk
Information regarding changes to how your medical record is held and shared electronically can be found if you make a written request to:
The Information Governance Team
Information Governance Team Office,
1st Floor,
RCI Building,
Kettering Venture Park,
Kettering,
NN15 6EYOr email us at: access2healthrecords@nhft.nhs.uk
You may be entitled to receive a copy of the information you request. You should also be aware that in certain circumstances your right to see some details in your health records might be limited in your own interest or for other reasons.
More information about accessing your personal information is available from the Information Commissioner's Office.
- Patient-led record sharingBack up
NHFT uses a secure computer system called SystmOne for your medical record.
SystmOne is also used in Northamptonshire, by most GPs as well as the out of hours GP service. For those services that use SystmOne, you can decide which NHS services can view your record, with the aim of providing you with control and reassurance regarding how your medical records are used.
With your permission, clinicians using SystmOne are able to share your medical record easily and safely with the other healthcare services involved in your care. This will mean that when you attend any service using SystmOne they will be able to view your NHFT medical record so that the clinicians who see you have all the information they need to enable them to provide the best possible health care for you.
- Why is this necessary and how does it work?Back up
Patient Led Record Sharing puts YOU in control of your NHFT medical record - you will be asked whether you wish to share your information with other health care services, like your GP and the benefits and any risks of your decision will be fully explained to you.
Sharing your medical record will improve communication about your care between healthcare professionals - it is important that you give your consent to this sharing, to ensure that your clinicians have all the information they require to offer you the best possible care.
Patient led record sharing enables high quality, joined up care across the different NHS services.
This sharing was designed to align SystmOne with the NHS care record guarantee. This guarantee states that patients should be able to control which services, (that are caring for them) are able to see information held on their record.
All staff members are trained in confidentiality and information governance. If you decide to share your record you can be sure that healthcare professionals will always treat your health record with the greatest care and discretion.
- What do I need to do?Back up
When you visit your GP or NHFT, you may be asked the following questions:
- Are you happy to share your medical record with other NHS services involved in your care? By giving your consent, your medical data can be shared with other NHS services involved in your care, if they are using the same electronic system (SystmOne). For example, if you give your GP consent to share your record, a district nurse involved in your care will be able to view the medical information entered by your GP.
- Are you happy to share with us (the GP or NHFT service you are attending) information held about you which has been recorded by other NHS services? By giving your consent, we are able to view the medical information entered by other NHS services who have been involved in your care. For example, with your consent, a community nurse at NHFT will be able to view the medical data entered by a General Practitioner who is involved in your care.
- What if my medical record is already shared?Back up
There are many good reasons why we might already share your health information between healthcare services to ensure you receive the best possible care. If your record is already shared between services this will continue until your next appointment. You will then be asked whether you would like this sharing to remain in place with the advantages of this. The risks of saying 'No' to sharing your record will be fully explained to you.
- If I agree to share my records, would this apply to all health services using the same electronic system?Back up
No, your consent to share and view your medical record is required by each NHS service using SystmOne involved in your care. However, you only need to give your consent once for all services provided by NHFT to have access to the information recorded by another service e.g. your GP. You are able to choose which other services outside of NHFT you want to share your record with and those you do not wish to be able to see your records held elsewhere.
- If I agree to share, who will be able to view my record?Back up
Only staff members at those services outside of NHFT that you have agreed to share your record with, and who have a legitimate clinical reason to access your record, will do so. All access to patient's computerised records is automatically recorded with the date, time and name of the person who viewed the record. Staff members are restricted to certain functions and views depending on their professional role.
- Can I change my mind about my record being shared?Back up
You can change your sharing preferences at any time. If you would like to change your sharing preferences, please speak to a member of staff at your GP practice or a healthcare professional within the appropriate healthcare service.
- Will all my medical record be shared?Back up
If you do not wish another service to see particular items in your medical record, please discuss this with your GP or healthcare professional. You can request for individual entries in your patient record to be marked as 'Private'. These will not be visible at any NHS care service other than the one that recorded the information.
- What do I do if I do not want to share my record?Back up
If you would prefer not to share your health information across the healthcare organisations involved in your care, you need to let your healthcare professional know. They will record this in your medical record so your information will not be shared and they will be able to explain any risks associated with your decision. There is also the option of marking an element of your record as private so that this will not be seen by any other healthcare organisation even if you have elected to share the rest of your record. Please consider this rather than opting not to share your record and if you have any further questions please discuss this with your GP or healthcare professional.
You would need to take extra care to ensure that if you are treated by other services you are able to provide them with any information about yourself that they might need.
- Can I choose to share my information with Northampton and Kettering General Hospitals?Back up
No, SystmOne is not used in either of these hospitals. However, systems are in place for them to receive relevant medical information about you whenever you are referred to them for treatment.
- Access to deceased patients recordsBack up
Access to the health records of deceased patients is covered by The Access to Health Records Act AHRA) 1990
The Act provides certain individuals with a right of access to the health records of a deceased individual. These individuals are defined under Section 3(1)(f) of that Act as, 'the patient's personal representative and any person who may have a claim arising out of the patient's death'. A personal representative is the executor or administrator of the deceased person's estate.There is no statutory right of access to records of deceased patients which fall outside of the time period covered by the Act and Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is unable to process requests for records of Deceased Patients where the date of death is prior to 1st November 1991.
The Trust will consider requests for access where a patient has died after 1st November 1991, but where there is no statutory right of access. These requests will be considered on a case by case basis.