If you would like further information about the Trust, this section explains how you can get it.
UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018
If you want to ask us for information that we may hold about you personally, this will be dealt with under the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. This would include information relating to Health and Social Care records, employment and training records. It covers anything that is limited to you as a person, whether for example as a patient, client, employee or partner of any kind.
Read more about Data Protection and how to access your records.
Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000
The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act makes it easier for you to get information about us. This law, which came into force on 1 January 2005, means that anyone, anywhere can ask for any information we hold.
Read more about Freedom of Information.
Before submitting your request please check out our FOI Responses Disclosure Log, as the information may already be available. You can read responses to the Freedom of Information requests we have received in our disclosure log.
Using Generative AI to Contact Us
The Trust is receiving more AI-generated requests and follow-up correspondence. These can contain inaccuracies or unnecessary complexity, which may cause delays while we seek clarification on your request.
Use of AI can cause delays to your request
AI tools can be helpful, but they can also generate broad or excessive wording that goes beyond the information you actually want or need. They can also misrepresent legislation or misstate what organisations do.
This can increase the time it takes us to understand and respond to your request. If your request is unclear, we may need to ask for clarification, which can cause delays.
Additionally, if the AI tool has used terms that you’re not familiar with, you might not know what it has asked for.
Using your own language
We prefer that you make short, straightforward requests using your own words.
For example, if you would like information about expenditure on agency staffing, you might submit the following request:
“Please provide the amount spent on …………. during the 2025/26 financial year.”
Simple, focused requests are often easier to understand and can help us provide a more accurate response.
Check requests before sending them to us
If you must use AI to help draft an information request, please make sure the final wording has been checked and reflects your actual information needs.
You can find more information about what to include in a request within the ICO guidance on making FOI requests
Privacy policy
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust respects the security and privacy concerns of users of this website.
Belfast Trust is notified under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 and we confirm that we will comply with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act in all our dealings with your personal data.
The purpose of this privacy policy is to inform you of the basis on which any personal data we collect from you, or that you provide to us, will be processed by us. By using this website, you agree to and accept the terms of this privacy policy.
Read more about our privacy policy
Read the Department of Health Regional Vaccination Privacy Notice
Publication scheme
To comply with the Freedom of Information Act, public sector organisations routinely publish information whenever possible.
The Information Commissioner is responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. They have drawn up a Model Publication Scheme for all public sector organisations, which we have adopted.