Introduction and Guide to the Scheme

In this Publication Scheme, all the electronic information which is downloadable from our website is provided free of charge for personal use. Where information is only available in hard copy we may charge you for the cost of copying and postage.  Refer to Schedule of Charges for further detail on costings and which are required to be paid in advance. Leaflets and brochures, such as those on services we offer to the public, will be provided free of charge.

The material available through this publication scheme is subject to Northern Ireland Ambulance Service copyright unless other indicated. Unless expressly indicated on the material to the contrary, it may be reproduced free of charge in any format or medium, provided it is reproduced accurately and not used in a misleading manner. Where any of the copyright items in this publication scheme are being re-published or copied to others, you must identify the source of the material and acknowledge the copyright status.

See under right of access to information where you wish to re-use information in this publication scheme for commercial gain. Permission to reproduce material does not extend to any material accessed through the publication scheme that is the copyright of third parties. You must obtain authorisation to reproduce such material from the copyright-holders concerned.

Although we make available a large amount of information about the Trust through the publication scheme, the Freedom of Information Act does not change the right of patients to protection of their patient confidentiality in accordance with article 8 of the Human Rights Convention, the Data Protection Act, and at common law. Maintaining the legal right to patient confidentiality continues to be an important commitment on our part.

To help with this, we have appointed someone who is called a Caldicott Guardian and who has responsibility to ensure the protection of patient confidentiality throughout the Trust in accordance with your legal rights.

The Act recognises that as a member of the public, you have the right to know how public services such as HSC Trusts 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.

We are also obliged to respond to requests about the information which it holds, and is recorded in any form, and the Act creates a right of access to that information. The rights to request and access this information are subject to some exemptions which the Trust has to take into consideration before deciding what information can be released. See how to Make a Request under FOI or EIR for further guidance.

Under the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005 you may also apply to re-use information in this Publication Scheme, or other information supplied under a Freedom of Information request, for commercial gain.

If you wish to make any requests under the above legislation please contact:

Corporate Manager

Northern Ireland Ambulance Service HQ

Finance and ICT Directorate, Information Department

Site 30, Knockbracken Healthcare Park

Saintfield Road

Belfast, BT8 8SG

Telephone: 028 9040 710

Email: foi@nias.hscni.net

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Caldicott Guardian is:

Dr David McManus
Medical Director
Northern Ireland Ambulance Service HQ

Site 30, Knockbracken Healthcare Park

Saintfield Road

Belfast, BT8 8SG

The data controller under the Data Protection Act 1998 is:

Mr Liam McIvor
Chief Executive
Northern Ireland Ambulance Service HQ

Site 30, Knockbracken Healthcare Park

Saintfield Road

Belfast, BT8 8SG

The person responsible for information security, data protection, freedom of information and environmental regulations is:

Mrs Sharon McCue
Director of Finance and ICT

Northern Ireland Ambulance Service HQ

Site 30, Knockbracken Healthcare Park

Saintfield Road

Belfast, BT8 8SG

In the event of any difficulty in accessing any information in this publication scheme or should you require hard copies or paid-for publications please contact:

Corporate Manager

Northern Ireland Ambulance Service HQ

Finance and ICT Directorate, Information Department

Site 30, Knockbracken Healthcare Park

Saintfield Road

Belfast, BT8 8SG

Telephone: 028 9040 710
Email: foi@nias.hscni.net

Any questions, comments or complaints about this scheme should be sent in writing to:

Mrs Sharon McCue
Director of Finance and ICT

Northern Ireland Ambulance Service HQ

Site 30, Knockbracken Healthcare Park

Saintfield Road

Belfast, BT8 8SG

Email: Sharon.McCue@nias.hscni.net