Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The complainant has made a multi-part request concerning various elements of Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s operation, including information on waiting lists, budgets, and job descriptions. Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (‘the Trust’) provided responses for questions six to nine, but refused questions one to five under section 12 of FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that the Trust was entitled to rely on section 12(1) of FOIA to refuse questions one to five of the request. However, he also finds that the Trust did not comply with its section 16 obligation to offer advice and assistance. The Commissioner requires the Trust to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation: Provide the complainant with appropriate advice and assistance to help them refine their request so that it falls within the appropriate limit.