FOI request or something else?

[Simpo Two]

I wish to ask a question of the Dispensing Doctor's Association.

I completed their contact form and they replied promptly 'Unfortunately, we are a members only organisation and only answer queries for dispensing surgeries who have a membership with us.'

As the issue affects me and hundreds of other people I would like an answer. Can I do this with an FOI or is there some other way? No personal data is involved.

[iphonedyou]

AIUI the FOI process is only for public bodies, or private bodies with public responsibilities.

[rog007]

Correct!

‘Organisations you can ask for information

You can request information from some public authorities, such as:

government departments, devolved administrations, other public bodies and committees
local councils
schools, colleges and universities
the NHS - including hospitals, GPs, dentists, pharmacists and opticians
publicly owned companies
publicly funded museums, galleries and theatres
the police and fire services
registered social landlords in Scotland

You can make an environmental information request to private or public companies that have public responsibilities - like water companies.

If you’re not sure if the organisation is one you can make a request to, check with the information commissioner…’

https://www.gov.uk/make-a-freedom-of-information-r...

[rog007]

Having said that about FOI…if you have a concern or query about a member of that organisation, you may be able to raise the issue informally via email or via a formal complaint if applicable.

[Simpo Two]

Great replies, thanks to all respondents.

I'll call the Information Commissioner tomorrow. If the outfit isn't listed then it's certainly a 'private body with public responsibilities' as it involves patients getting prescriptions in a timely manner.

[bigpriest]

Simpo Two said:

Great replies, thanks to all respondents.

I'll call the Information Commissioner tomorrow. If the outfit isn't listed then it's certainly a 'private body with public responsibilities' as it involves patients getting prescriptions in a timely manner.

Maybe your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) Primary Care Team can help? Although the DDA isn't contracted directly, Primary Care Services (GP, Dentist, Optician and Pharmacist) are contracted via ICBs. If not then NHS England.

[Simpo Two]

bigpriest said:

Maybe your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) Primary Care Team can help? Although the DDA isn't contracted directly, Primary Care Services (GP, Dentist, Optician and Pharmacist) are contracted via ICBs. If not then NHS England.

Thanks for the info, YHM.