How to make a request

You have the right to request information from any publicly-funded body, including NSS.

Before you make an FOI request

You may not need to make a request for information to us if:

• the information is listed in our Publication Scheme (also known as our 'Guide to Information'
• we don’t hold the information

We’ll respond to all requests within 20 working days.

How to send an FOI request

You can send your freedom of information request to us by post at:

You can also email us at: nss.foi@nhs.scot

What information NSS doesn’t hold – and where you can find it

We don’t hold information about:

• figures on COVID-19 attributed deaths - these requests should be directed to Public Health Scotland or National Records of Scotland
• COVID-19 vaccination/hospitalisation numbers – this information is held by the Regional Health Boards and Public Health Scotland
• other COVID-19 statistics (for example, numbers of tests carried out or numbers of positive test results) – please contact Public Health Scotland
• other Health Boards in Scotland including information on their performance
• health records we suggest that you make a Subject Access Request with the NHSScotland health board(s) that provided you with any care and/or treatment

For a summary of the information held by Public Health Scotland please visit the Public Health Scotland website.

Advice on information governance and cyber security

Visit the Scottish Government’s information governance website for advice on information governance and cyber security during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

What happens next

How we will use the information you provide us

We use the information you provide in your email or postal submission only for the purpose of responding to your request.

We keep your completed form for a minimum period of three years. In line with NHSScotland guidance on records retention and data protection requirements, we may destroy these records, securely, after that time.

Please see our Data Protection Notice for more information.

If your request is denied

In some cases, sensitive information is exempt and isn’t available to the public.

This includes information that is:

• about to be published
• personal and covered by the Data Protection Act
• commercially confidential.

In those circumstances where disclosure may not be possible due to the application of an exemption, we still seek to release information in cases where the public interest overrides the exemption applied. We’ll always explain our reasons if we withhold information.

Reviews

If we withhold information, you can ask us to review our decision. If you’re still dissatisfied after our review, you can appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner who’s responsible for enforcing the Freedom of Information Act.

The Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations

These regulations allow anyone to re-use information published or requested from NSS. NSS has created a NSS Statement of Public Task, that describes this for potential re-users. This Statement should be read alongside the Statement of the Public Interest in Use of Confidential Health and Care Information by NHS National Services Scotland (NHS NSS) under the Common Law Duty of Confidentiality.

In addition, section 23 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 requires that all Scottish public authorities maintain a publication scheme, setting out the types of information that are routinely made available. For more details on our publication scheme, see our NHS National Services Scotland's Guide to Information. Information published under the publication scheme by NSS can be made available for re-use.

What is re-use?

Re-use means use for any purpose other than that for which the information was originally produced.

Where can I find out more?

The National Archives has published guidance and best practice advice on the regulations for public sector organisations and potential re-users.

How do I request information for re-use?

Please contact us via nss.foi@nhs.scot